The all-star reserves list was leaked today, and when it comes down to it, there is very little to be shocked about when looking at the results. Like in years past, players on teams with winning records tend to get the nod while players on losing teams get the snub. So let's take a look at the team in 3 sections: first the snubs, then the first-timers. Of course it wouldn't be any fun if we didn't have a "If TNLP ruled the NBA" All-Star list. Here we go:
Snubs:
Chris Kaman: Earlier in the week, TNLP took a look at Chris Kaman's comments about Pau Gasol not deserving an all-star spot based on the fact that he's missed a significant number of games. He has a valid point but unfortunately for him, the Lakers are defending champions and the NBA will gladly make an exception for Gasol and insert him on the team as a Center even though that is not his position. So even though Kaman is putting up career numbers and is the highest scoring center in the league, the fact that the Clippers are 20-25 doesn't help his case at all and there's a chance that his mouth might have worked against him. But in the end, it could have been worse, Andrew Bynum could have gotten the selection.
Chauncey Billups:
Billups should be a perennial all-star and is averaging 19 and 4 on an elite Nuggets team that made it to the Western Conference Finals the previous season. It was the addition of Billups to the Nuggets that made it happen and while Carmelo Anthony is the player that gets the most attention and is in the running for the MVP race, Billups is the leader of the team. However, after losses to the Clippers, Pistons, Timberwolves and Kings, the hype surrounding the Nuggets and their hot start died off and likely hurt Billups' chances at making the All-Star squad. At the same time, very few people outside of Denver will really argue about Deron Williams finally making his first all-star appearance over Billups.
Monta Ellis:
If there's anyone in the league that should be called a machine, it's Ellis. The man averages 26 points per game and averages 42 minutes per contest on the team with the highest pace factor. There's no slowing him down but the Warriors' 13-31 record and David Stern and the referee's apparent dislike for the Warriors and Monta, keeps him from being an All-Star but at the same time it also would be difficult to put him on the team ahead of Deron Williams and Chauncey Billups.
David Lee & Josh Smith:
This is a two part one based on the fact that Al Horford is making the East squad. First off, David Lee is playing out of his mind, averaging 19.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game and is a model of consistency failing to score in double figures only 3 times this season and in each of those games, he scored 9 points. He has also improved on his outside shooting and upped his assist average to 4.4 per 48 from 3.0 last season. Unfortunately, two factors work against him, those being his defense and his team's 18-26 record.
Josh Smith has played an integral part of the Hawks' season and is arguably outplaying both 
Joe Johnson and Al Horford. Smith is still as strong a defensive presence as ever, averaging 2.2 blocks and 1.5 steals a game, the major adjustment was made to his offensive game. He now takes 64% of his shots inside and has only taken 3 3-point shot attempts this season compared to 87 all of last season. But unfortunately for Smith, the NBA would be reluctant to nominate 3 Hawks players to the All-Star squad and would rather put Horford on the team at the very thin Center spot.
First-Timers:
There's a number of first timers on this list and it's more of a "it's about time" more than anything. For the west Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, and Zach Randolph have finally made the squad. For Deron Williams, it's been a long time coming but for Durant and Randolph it comes as no surprise considering their teams have exceeded expectations and are in the running for a playoff spot.
For the east, only the teams who are currently in the playoff picture will have representatives for the all-star game. It will be a pleasure to see the Bobcats get some representation through Gerald Wallace and his elevated play this season. Rajon Rondo has improved his game from a leadership standpoint, is one of the best playmakers and plays both ends of the floor extremely well. The same can be said about Derrick Rose to a certain extent but has questionable leadership skills according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson, but his 19.6 and 5.9 are impressive numbers. One may argue that both of these guards benefit from the injuries to last year's all-star selections Jameer Nelson and Mo Williams.
If TNLP Ruled the NBA:
Of course if TNLP did rule the NBA, the all-star squad would most likely look like:
West:
East:
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