The remaining 14 spots for the 2013 NBA All-Star game will be announced Thursday, and that's where the real drama lies. Will the coaches make the right decisions and get the deserving guys in? We don't know yet, but here are the 2013 NBA underground reserves. First let's recap the starters voted in by fans.
East West
Rajon Rondo Chris Paul
Dwyane Wade Kobe Bryant
LeBron James Kevin Durant
Carmelo Anthony Blake Griffin
Kevin Garnett Dwight Howard
Nothing really new here in the fan vote. The West is identical from last year, save for Dwight Howard coming to L.A. and sliding in Andrew Bynum's spot. Kevin Garnett comes back for the East after a one year absence and joins teammate Rajon Rondo. Perennial starters Wade, James and Anthony represent the 2003 draft class once again.
East Reserves
1. Kyrie Irving, Point Guard: The first of surely many appearances for Irving. Even on a bad Cavs team, his 23.1 PPG is impressive for a second-year player.
2. Jrue Holiday, Point Guard: Holiday has improved every single year. He's averaging career highs with 19.2 PPG and 8.9 APG. His dimes rank fourth in the league. Both Holiday and Irving benefit this year from an injured Derrick Rose and an under-performing Deron Williams.
3. Paul George, Small Forward: The Pacers get an All-Star this year as Paul George makes his first appearance. With Danny Granger out, the athletic George has raised his scoring and defense to keep the Pacers as a top-three team in the East.
4. Chris Bosh, Center: The third member of Miami's trio is a lock for All-Star games at this point. His scoring and rebounding are down a bit, but his shooting percentages are up and he is a crucial player for the defending champs.
5. Brook Lopez, Center: With Williams and Joe Johnson struggling this year, Lopez has emerged as the Nets MVP. He leads the team in scoring and is the main reason the Nets are 25-16.
6. Tyson Chandler, Center: Last year's DPOY makes his much-deserved first All-Star team this year. Chandler averages a double-double and is the defensive force for the Knicks.
7. Joakim Noah, Center: Noah completes the trend of centers and first-timers for the East this year. His defense and hustle has kept the Bulls very competitive this year.
West Reserves
1. Russell Westbrook, Point Guard: A yearly shoo-in at this point, Westbrook's assists are up and he and Durant have the Thunder in position to get back to the Finals.
2. James Harden, Shooting Guard: Westbrook's old teammate was a virtual lock to make his first All-Star game when he became a Rocket. Harden seems comfortable being "the guy" in Houston. His 25.9 PPG is fifth in the NBA.
3. Tony Parker, Point Guard: Parker is having another great year. He runs the league's third-best offense has the Spurs in contention for year after year.
4. Stephen Curry, Point Guard: Curry is averaging career highs in point and assists. But most importantly, he has the Warriors firmly in the playoff race. Curry's good numbers finally mean something now on a good team.
5. Jamal Crawford, Shooting Guard: The best sixth man will make his All-Star game debut at age 32. Crawford's volume scoring is one of the main reasons that Lob City is the best show in the NBA.
6. David Lee, Power Forward: Much like his teammate Curry, Lee is finally on a good team and is being rewarded. Lee is a double-double machine and the veteran leader of a good young Warriors team.
7. Tim Duncan, Center: The ageless Duncan is having his best season since 2010. As long as the Big Fundamental is around, the Spurs will be a top team in the West.
Who Barely Missed the Cut?
There weren't really any close calls in the East. The only argument could be made for Paul Pierce, but his shooting percentage drops every year and already two Celtics are on the team. The Grizzlies are possibly deserving of an All-Star with a trio of Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol and a contending team. Lamarcus Aldridge has All-Star numbers on a borderline playoff team. Serge Ibaka is putting up career numbers offensively and the Thunder are a good enough team to field three All-Stars.
Stay posted for the inevitable "Who Got Snubbed?" article coming after Thursday night's announcement.
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