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Will
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The All Star Weekend is upon us, let's take a closer look at the potential All Star roster for the Western Conference. This article will be breaking down each position, looking at the contenders and narrowing it down to my predicted 10 man roster (not my personal choices), feel free to agree/disagree/give your own predictions in the comments below. Let's start off with the Center Position.
Center:
The Contenders:
Anthony Davis C 35 34.6 15.7 12.0 1.5 1.6 1.8 1.7 .448 .684 .375
DeAndre Jordan C 42 32.3 16.0 11.2 1.4 0.6 2.2 1.7 .443 .593 .000
Brook Lopez C 37 32.6 15.1 9.3 1.5 0.9 1.2 1.4 .424 .780 .387
Jarrett Allen C 36 32.6 12.6 10.1 2.7 1.1 3.3 2.0 .452 .703 .000
Ed Davis C 40 29.9 13.1 11.7 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.0 .424 .635 .000
Robin Lopez C 42 33.3 13.3 11.1 1.4 0.9 2.0 1.4 .450 .664 .000
The weakest position in the Western Conference in terms of standout All Star talent. Both of the Centers from last year's game in Dwight Howard and Serge Ibaka are now playing their Basketball in the Eastern Conference. Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers is most likely selection, averaging 15.7PPG, 12RPG but after that it is anyone's guess. DeAndre Jordan (Sacramento Kings), Brook Lopez (Los Angeles Clippers) Ed Davis (Phoenix Suns), Robin Lopez (Houston Rockets) and even rookie Jarrett Allen (Memphis Grizzlies) have a shot of making it. With how well the Phoenix Suns have played, I would give the edge to Ed Davis (as I'm not sure any other Suns player will make it, more on that later) but we know it will be based on purely numbers so DeAndre Jordan who is averaging 16PPG, 11.2RPG, 2.2BPG may just make it ahead of Brook Lopez and Jarrett Allen.
Power Forward:
The Contenders:
LaMarcus Aldridge PF 45 36.1 28.8 11.3 2.2 1.2 0.8 2.1 .461 .775 .000
Blake Griffin PF 42 34.0 21.3 11.2 3.9 1.1 1.0 2.1 .469 .612 .000
Josh Smith PF 37 35.1 15.7 11.8 3.4 0.9 1.5 2.5 .463 .657 .343
Much easier to predict the Power Forwards that it is the Center position, I will be very surprised if LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin aren't suiting up for the West. LaMarcus Aldridge is having a great season for Portland Trailblazers averaging 28.8PPG and 11.3RPG while Blake Griffin is averaging 21.3PPG, 11.2RPG and 3.9APG for the Houston Rockets. The only other Power Forward that deserves a mention is Josh Smith who is averaging 15.7PPG and 11.8RPG while spending alot of the season coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Small Forward:
The Contenders:
Andre Iguodala SF 49 35.9 19.3 6.1 7.4 2.2 0.2 2.8 .468 .665 .382
Paul Millsap SF 40 33.7 23.4 8.5 2.6 0.9 0.5 1.4 .470 .751 .391
Carmelo Anthony SF 36 36.6 22.2 7.2 2.4 1.4 0.3 2.1 .473 .734 .406
Wilson Chandler SF 41 37.0 19.9 8.4 2.8 1.1 0.6 1.3 .455 .735 .358
A tough position to call the selections is Small Forward, Andre Iguodala (Denver Nuggets), Paul Millsap (Minnesota Timberwolves), Carmelo Anthony (Phoenix Suns) and Wilson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks) are all deserving having played some great basketball up to the All Star Weekend. At 33 Andre Igoudala has lead the Denver Nuggets to the 2nd seed and a 29-20 record putting up some impressive numbers 19.3PPG, 6.1RPG, 7.4APG, 2.2SPG, although he has spent most of the season playing Point Guard he is listed at Small Forward and it would be a surprise not too see him selected. Wilson Chandlers has played well both starting and off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks averaging 19.9PPG, 8.4RPG but he probably falls behind these next two despite making the game last season. So that leaves one spot for either Paul Millsap or Carmelo Anthony, both players have been traded mid season and are putting up very similar numbers, 23.4PPG, 8.5RPG, 2.6APG for Millsap and 22.2PPG, 7.2RPG, 2.4APG for Carmelo Anthony. Again it would be tough to see the Phoenix Suns without a single all-star after their 28-12 start and I would give the selection to Carmelo but I think Paul Millsap will just edge it in front of him.
Shooting Guard:
The Contenders:
Eric Gordon SG 33 36.4 30.2 4.5 3.5 1.8 0.2 2.0 .484 .846 .455
Tyreke Evans SG 38 39.2 25.2 6.8 5.0 1.4 0.2 3.7 .441 .795 .363
Dwyane Wade SG 49 32.8 21.4 5.0 2.8 1.8 0.8 2.7 .476 .747 .342
DeMar DeRozan SG 42 34.7 18.0 3.7 3.5 1.9 0.1 2.0 .464 .864 .416
Although all four of these guys are having great seasons I think the two selections pick themselves. After signing for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency Eric Gordon is having an amazing season averaging 30.2PPG, 4.5RPG, 3.5APG as the Lakers sit with a 19-16 record which is mainly down his play as the injury bug has hit them hard so far this season. Next is Tyreke Evans who is averaging 25.2PPG, 6.8RPG, 5APG for the 3rd seed Sacramento Kings, those numbers speak for themselves, would be very surprising to see either not make it. Dwyane Wade (Denver Nuggets) averaging 21.4PPG, 5RPG and DeMar DeRozan (Houston Rockets) averaging 18PPG, 3.7RPG, 3.5APG deserve a mention but can't see either being selected over Eric Gordon or Tyreke Evans.
Point Guard:
The Contenders:
John Wall PG 37 38.1 24.4 4.8 10.6 3.1 0.2 3.1 .489 .800 .489
Mike Conley PG 37 38.9 22.1 5.3 9.8 2.6 0.1 2.6 .458 .779 .401
Jeremy Lin PG 36 39.1 22.1 5.6 8.4 2.7 0.3 3.6 .452 .833 .397
Victor Oladipo PG 40 35.5 24.0 4.6 7.6 1.9 0.3 4.6 .470 .776 .392
Chris Paul PG 38 37.2 22.6 4.5 9.1 1.8 0.2 2.6 .492 .816 .425
Probably the strongest position in the Western Conference and the toughest to predict, all five of these guys can make a case for being selected to the All Star team. John Wall (Sacramento Kings) is averaging the most points (24.4), assists (10.6) and steals (3.1) out of the Western point guards so that gives him the nod as one of the selections. Next selection is really tough to predict and could go to either of these four players, Mike Conley (Los Angeles Clippers), Jeremy Lin (Minnesota Timberwolves), Victor Oladipo (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Chris Paul. Victor Oladipo is putting up some great numbers 24PPG, 7.6APG, but his Oklahoma City Thunder team is struggling and I think his assists and turnover numbers may hurt his chances. Mike Conley 22.1PPG, 5.3RPG, 9.8APG, 2.6SPG, Jeremy Lin 22.1PPG, 5.6RPG, 8.4APG, 2.7SPG and Chris Paul 2.6PPG, 4.5RPG, 9.1APG, 1.8SPG are putting up similar numbers, think Mike Conley will get the nod but would not be suprised if it went to either four of those players.
Predicted Roster.
Center (Starter)- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
Center (Backup)- DeAndre Jordan (Sacramento Kings)
Power Forward (Starter)- LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trailblazers)
Power Forward (Backup)- Blake Griffin (Houston Rockets)
Small Forward (Starter)- Andre Iguodala (Denver Nuggets)
Small Forward (Backup)- Paul Millsap (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Shooting Guard (Starter)- Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Lakers)
Shooting Guard (Backup)- Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings)
Point Guard (Starter)- John Wall (Sacramento Kings)
Point Guard (Backup)- Mike Conley (Los Angeles Clippers)
Center:
The Contenders:
Anthony Davis C 35 34.6 15.7 12.0 1.5 1.6 1.8 1.7 .448 .684 .375
DeAndre Jordan C 42 32.3 16.0 11.2 1.4 0.6 2.2 1.7 .443 .593 .000
Brook Lopez C 37 32.6 15.1 9.3 1.5 0.9 1.2 1.4 .424 .780 .387
Jarrett Allen C 36 32.6 12.6 10.1 2.7 1.1 3.3 2.0 .452 .703 .000
Ed Davis C 40 29.9 13.1 11.7 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.0 .424 .635 .000
Robin Lopez C 42 33.3 13.3 11.1 1.4 0.9 2.0 1.4 .450 .664 .000
The weakest position in the Western Conference in terms of standout All Star talent. Both of the Centers from last year's game in Dwight Howard and Serge Ibaka are now playing their Basketball in the Eastern Conference. Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers is most likely selection, averaging 15.7PPG, 12RPG but after that it is anyone's guess. DeAndre Jordan (Sacramento Kings), Brook Lopez (Los Angeles Clippers) Ed Davis (Phoenix Suns), Robin Lopez (Houston Rockets) and even rookie Jarrett Allen (Memphis Grizzlies) have a shot of making it. With how well the Phoenix Suns have played, I would give the edge to Ed Davis (as I'm not sure any other Suns player will make it, more on that later) but we know it will be based on purely numbers so DeAndre Jordan who is averaging 16PPG, 11.2RPG, 2.2BPG may just make it ahead of Brook Lopez and Jarrett Allen.
Power Forward:
The Contenders:
LaMarcus Aldridge PF 45 36.1 28.8 11.3 2.2 1.2 0.8 2.1 .461 .775 .000
Blake Griffin PF 42 34.0 21.3 11.2 3.9 1.1 1.0 2.1 .469 .612 .000
Josh Smith PF 37 35.1 15.7 11.8 3.4 0.9 1.5 2.5 .463 .657 .343
Much easier to predict the Power Forwards that it is the Center position, I will be very surprised if LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin aren't suiting up for the West. LaMarcus Aldridge is having a great season for Portland Trailblazers averaging 28.8PPG and 11.3RPG while Blake Griffin is averaging 21.3PPG, 11.2RPG and 3.9APG for the Houston Rockets. The only other Power Forward that deserves a mention is Josh Smith who is averaging 15.7PPG and 11.8RPG while spending alot of the season coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Small Forward:
The Contenders:
Andre Iguodala SF 49 35.9 19.3 6.1 7.4 2.2 0.2 2.8 .468 .665 .382
Paul Millsap SF 40 33.7 23.4 8.5 2.6 0.9 0.5 1.4 .470 .751 .391
Carmelo Anthony SF 36 36.6 22.2 7.2 2.4 1.4 0.3 2.1 .473 .734 .406
Wilson Chandler SF 41 37.0 19.9 8.4 2.8 1.1 0.6 1.3 .455 .735 .358
A tough position to call the selections is Small Forward, Andre Iguodala (Denver Nuggets), Paul Millsap (Minnesota Timberwolves), Carmelo Anthony (Phoenix Suns) and Wilson Chandler (Dallas Mavericks) are all deserving having played some great basketball up to the All Star Weekend. At 33 Andre Igoudala has lead the Denver Nuggets to the 2nd seed and a 29-20 record putting up some impressive numbers 19.3PPG, 6.1RPG, 7.4APG, 2.2SPG, although he has spent most of the season playing Point Guard he is listed at Small Forward and it would be a surprise not too see him selected. Wilson Chandlers has played well both starting and off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks averaging 19.9PPG, 8.4RPG but he probably falls behind these next two despite making the game last season. So that leaves one spot for either Paul Millsap or Carmelo Anthony, both players have been traded mid season and are putting up very similar numbers, 23.4PPG, 8.5RPG, 2.6APG for Millsap and 22.2PPG, 7.2RPG, 2.4APG for Carmelo Anthony. Again it would be tough to see the Phoenix Suns without a single all-star after their 28-12 start and I would give the selection to Carmelo but I think Paul Millsap will just edge it in front of him.
Shooting Guard:
The Contenders:
Eric Gordon SG 33 36.4 30.2 4.5 3.5 1.8 0.2 2.0 .484 .846 .455
Tyreke Evans SG 38 39.2 25.2 6.8 5.0 1.4 0.2 3.7 .441 .795 .363
Dwyane Wade SG 49 32.8 21.4 5.0 2.8 1.8 0.8 2.7 .476 .747 .342
DeMar DeRozan SG 42 34.7 18.0 3.7 3.5 1.9 0.1 2.0 .464 .864 .416
Although all four of these guys are having great seasons I think the two selections pick themselves. After signing for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency Eric Gordon is having an amazing season averaging 30.2PPG, 4.5RPG, 3.5APG as the Lakers sit with a 19-16 record which is mainly down his play as the injury bug has hit them hard so far this season. Next is Tyreke Evans who is averaging 25.2PPG, 6.8RPG, 5APG for the 3rd seed Sacramento Kings, those numbers speak for themselves, would be very surprising to see either not make it. Dwyane Wade (Denver Nuggets) averaging 21.4PPG, 5RPG and DeMar DeRozan (Houston Rockets) averaging 18PPG, 3.7RPG, 3.5APG deserve a mention but can't see either being selected over Eric Gordon or Tyreke Evans.
Point Guard:
The Contenders:
John Wall PG 37 38.1 24.4 4.8 10.6 3.1 0.2 3.1 .489 .800 .489
Mike Conley PG 37 38.9 22.1 5.3 9.8 2.6 0.1 2.6 .458 .779 .401
Jeremy Lin PG 36 39.1 22.1 5.6 8.4 2.7 0.3 3.6 .452 .833 .397
Victor Oladipo PG 40 35.5 24.0 4.6 7.6 1.9 0.3 4.6 .470 .776 .392
Chris Paul PG 38 37.2 22.6 4.5 9.1 1.8 0.2 2.6 .492 .816 .425
Probably the strongest position in the Western Conference and the toughest to predict, all five of these guys can make a case for being selected to the All Star team. John Wall (Sacramento Kings) is averaging the most points (24.4), assists (10.6) and steals (3.1) out of the Western point guards so that gives him the nod as one of the selections. Next selection is really tough to predict and could go to either of these four players, Mike Conley (Los Angeles Clippers), Jeremy Lin (Minnesota Timberwolves), Victor Oladipo (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Chris Paul. Victor Oladipo is putting up some great numbers 24PPG, 7.6APG, but his Oklahoma City Thunder team is struggling and I think his assists and turnover numbers may hurt his chances. Mike Conley 22.1PPG, 5.3RPG, 9.8APG, 2.6SPG, Jeremy Lin 22.1PPG, 5.6RPG, 8.4APG, 2.7SPG and Chris Paul 2.6PPG, 4.5RPG, 9.1APG, 1.8SPG are putting up similar numbers, think Mike Conley will get the nod but would not be suprised if it went to either four of those players.
Predicted Roster.
Center (Starter)- Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers)
Center (Backup)- DeAndre Jordan (Sacramento Kings)
Power Forward (Starter)- LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trailblazers)
Power Forward (Backup)- Blake Griffin (Houston Rockets)
Small Forward (Starter)- Andre Iguodala (Denver Nuggets)
Small Forward (Backup)- Paul Millsap (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Shooting Guard (Starter)- Eric Gordon (Los Angeles Lakers)
Shooting Guard (Backup)- Tyreke Evans (Sacramento Kings)
Point Guard (Starter)- John Wall (Sacramento Kings)
Point Guard (Backup)- Mike Conley (Los Angeles Clippers)
