2009 NBA Should Be All Stars

Western Conference Starting Five

•C. Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

Houston's had an up and down season, mostly due to injuries. Yao's the biggest reason they've still won 63% of their games, despite those injuries. He's averaging 19.9 ppg, 9.6 rbpg, while shooting 54% from the field and 86% from the foul line.

•F. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Despite missing star guards, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, for big chunks of the season already, the Spurs have the exact same record as they did at this point last season (28-13). Duncan deserves big kudos for that. After 11.5 seasons, he's still Mr. Consistent, and has averaged 20.4 ppg, 10.2 rbpg and 1.8 bspg thus far.

•F. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks are having a tough time keeping in the playoff race due to the depth of the Western Conference. Dirk's who's keeping their hopes alive, averaging 26.0 ppg and 8.4 rbpg.

•G. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

 Kobe hasn't had to over-exert himself so far. The Lakers have the depth to let him take a back seat once in a while. Yet, he's still one of the very best in the NBA and he doesn't let fans forget it, averaging 26.8 ppg, 5.7 rbpg and 5.2 apg for the team tied for having the best record in the NBA.

2008-2009 Conference Regular Season Standings

•G. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

 Paul's numbers are amazing, and they're a huge reason why the Hornets are near the top of the West again. He's averaging 21.2 ppg, 11.0 apg, 5.5 rbpg and 2.7 spg, while shooting 50% from the field and 87% from the line.

Reserves:

•C. Shaquille O'Neal, Phoenix Suns

Marcus Camby's a possible candidate here, too, but Shaq's been the Suns' recent success with Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire still trying to find their way in a new system.

•F. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers

Gasol's doing great things on a great team, averaging 17.5 ppg, and 9.2 rbpg.

•F. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns

Though his numbers are solid, this has been a bit of a let down season for Amare compared to last season. Still, he's the next best forward in the West.

•G. Chauncey Builups, Denver Nuggets

Billups reinvented the Denver Nuggets after being traded for Allen Iverson.

•G. Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers

He's been sensational leading the young Blazers team to playoff contention, averaging 22.3 ppg, 5.2 rbpg and 4.7 apg.

•G. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks

Kidd's shown he's still got some magic left. He edges out Steve Nash.

•G. Tony Parker,San Antonio Spurs

Though he's missed nine games so far this season, he's been sensational in the ones he's played in, averaging 20.4 ppg, 6.7 apg, while shooting 50% from the field.

Eastern Conference Starting Five

•C. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

 This is a no-brainer. Howard has emerged as the most dominant center in the NBA, averaging 20.2 ppg, 14.1 rbpg with 3.2 bspg for the team tied with the best record in the NBA.

•F. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

 It would be shocking if Granger was voted into the starting lineup, and that's understandable given that the Pacers have only won 15 games. Yet, Granger has been phenomenal, averaging 26.2 ppg and 5.1 rbpg on a team with not much of a supporting cast.

•F. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

 Even after the Cavs lost badly to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, LeBron should still be considered the top candidate for MVP this season. He's the main reason the Cavs have won 80% of its games, and he averages 27.8 ppg, 7.2 rbpg, 6.8 apg, 2.0 spg and shoots 50% from the field.

•G. Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat

Wade has helped this young team make a big turnaround from last season, averaging 28.8 ppg, 4.9 rbpg, 7.3 apg and 2.3 spg.

•G. Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Johnson's been up and down lately, but he's still had an excellent season, averaging 22.0 ppg, 4.5 apg and 6.0 rbpg for the 25-16 Hawks.

Reserves:

•C. Rasheed Wallace,

Detroit Pistons

Sheed hasn't been stellar, but he's been solid, especially on the defensive end. There aren't many options for backup center in the East.

•F. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics

Numbers won't wow anybody, but Garnett's been solid at both ends and has helped lead the Celtics to a solid record.

•F. Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors

Bosh has been the usual Bosh, when he's been healthy. The Raptors have been awful, but there aren't many other options here.

•F. Tayshaun Prince Detroit Pistons

The Pistons are still trying to find themselves after acquiring Allen Iverson. Prince has been the team's best player.

•F. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

 He's been inconsistent this season, but he has led the Celtics to a nice record.

•G. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks

Bibby has been one of the main reasons for the Hawks' success this season. He's been the point guard they've needed for a long time.

•G. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets

He's quieted down a bit of late, but for a long stretch, he was sensational.