Nets Brook Lopez deserves a spot
by Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports
The NBA All-Star reserves will be announced at 7 p.m. ET today on TNT. USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt looks at the numbers and performances to tell you who should be on the teams.
East
Tyson Chandler, Knicks C – Averaging a double-double in points and rebounds, shooting 67.4% from the field and the Knicks are better, especially offensively, with Chandler on the floor.
Joakim Noah, Bulls C – Teammate Carlos Boozer deserves strong consideration, but a combination of traditional and advanced stats gives Noah the nod.
Brook Lopez, Nets C – Where would Brooklyn be without Lopez’s improved game?
Chris Bosh, Heat C – Outstanding shooter from the field and remains a vital and underappreciated part of Miami’s offense.
Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers PG – Sometimes being one of the best players at your position in the conference trumps wins and losses for an All-Star selection.
Jrue Holiday, 76ers PG – Got paid in the offseason and has delivered, averaging career highs in points, assists, rebounds and shooting percentage.
Paul George, Pacers SG – With Danny Granger injured, George’s overall game on offense and defense has propelled the Pacers.
West
Tim Duncan, Spurs PF – Everyone knows Father Time is undefeated, but Duncan has sent the game into overtime – 17.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 2.8 assists in 30.2 minutes per game.
David Lee, Warriors PF – Giving the Warriors the kind of production they expected when they signed him in 2010 and providing leadership on a young, improving team.
Marc Gasol, Grizzlies PF – Like Boozer-Noah, you can’t go wrong with Gasol or Zach Randolph on Memphos. Nothing wrong with putting both on the All-Star team either. Gasol gets in here, barely, because of his defense.
Russell Westbrook, Thunder PG – Polarizing for trivial reasons, he is one of two players this season averaging at least 20 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Tony Parker, Spurs PG – Averaging a career-high 17 points and 40% on three-pointers and shooting 51.9% from the field and averaging 7.3 assists while playing just 32.7 minutes per game.
Stephen Curry, Warriors PG – Finally healthy, mostly, Curry has shown he is one of … [For more on Nets Brook Lopez deserves a spot, click here.]
Loading ...
