BOSTON – Fans have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to vote on who they believe should be starting in next month’s NBA all-star game in Toronto.
I’m no different than fans from the standpoint of there being certain players I want to see in that game.
Some of my choices are based on stats and winning, while others – OK, one - is all about seeing one of the game’s all-time greats play with the best of today’s game one more time.
With that said, here’s what my starting five for the Eastern and Western Conference all-stars look like.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
GUARD – Kyle Lowry, Toronto
Lots of quality guards in the East, but Lowry has been arguably the most consistent when it comes to producing statistically, leading his team to victory and staying healthy (yes, Kyrie Irving fans, I'm talking 'bout your dude!).
GUARD – Jimmy Butler, Chicago
The most complete two-way guard in the East, his 53-point explosion against Philadelphia should open up the eyes of more fans to what the coaches in the East already know – Butler is more than just an elite defender.
FORWARD – Paul George, Indiana
Boston Celtics
Kudos to the Pacers medical staff and George’s hard work to bounce back from a horrendous knee injury to reclaim his place among the game’s best players.
FORWARD – LeBron James, Cleveland
The most unstoppable force in the game, James is still the standard all players in the NBA – yes Stephen Curry, you included – are measured against if you’re talking about the game’s most complete player.
CENTER – Andre Drummond, Detroit
He has been putting up video game-like numbers in terms of rebounding all season. The scary part for the NBA is that Drummond is only 22 years old and has barely scratched the surface of how good he can be in this league.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
GUARD – Stephen Curry, Golden State
Curry has displayed an even more complete, well-rounded game this season that has him as the front-runner for a second straight league MVP award.
GUARD – Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
No longer viewed as Kevin Durant’s sidekick, Westbrook’s speed, power and a steadily improving perimeter game has made him one of the game’s elite playmakers.
FORWARD – Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
This season he has been a shell of the player we all know will be a first ballot Hall of Famer, but Bryant deserves to go out of the game as an all-star. This year it’s Kobe. Next year KG? Tim Duncan?
FORWARD – Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio
He’s the best player on the best team outside of Oakland, Calif., and he puts up big numbers while shutting down big-time talent with his defense.
FORWARD – Draymond Green, Golden State
Stephen Curry may be the best player on the Warriors roster, but a case can be made that Green is the most important. His jack-of-all-trades game is a nightly X-factor that teams consistently fail to contain.