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It’s been over a month since the NBA All-Star balloting 2014 tipped off on November 15th in a special event held in New Orleans. The first returns are out and so far there are no head scratchers.
For a second year in a row the fans can vote via social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter by selecting 10 unique players per day. The Balloting concludes on the 20th of January following which the starters of each conference will be announced on a one hour edition of NBA TIP OFF on TNT.
Not all fans look at the current performance and stats of all players, you can see what I mean in the first returns of the Ballot. Kobe Bryant played just 4 games during the period averaging only 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game yet the number of votes he has received are highest among players in the back court of the West and second highest behind Kevin Durant in terms of all Western Conference players on the ballot.
On the basis of their performance during the first quarter of the season, which players in the West deserve starter’s minutes during the All-Star game next year at New Orleans?
Let’s find out!
Backcourt:
Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
It goes without saying that this man is the best point guard in the league at present. Nobody will argue that.
He is the only player averaging a double double in points and assists with 19.8 and 11.3 per game respectively and with 13 he broke Magic Johnson’s record of most consecutive double doubles recorded to start the season by 2. Most of his stats are at a personal best since he moved to L.A.
He averages a mere 2.5 turnovers per game while creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. He can also be credited for a majority of the monstrous alley oops you see Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan throw down.
While we talk about his incredible passing game, what goes unnoticed is his outstanding ability to create and make his own shot in situations his team needs him to deliver. He is having a MVP caliber season however injuries on the team and the Clippers inconsistent performances as a team as iced his MVP momentum.
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Thanks to the Ballot, we might just see Mr. Kobe Bryant returning to familiar territory come the All-Star weekend but having said there are many of you out there who would back me when I say he certainly doesn’t deserve it this season. If indeed he does make the starters line-up it would be purely based on his experience, popularity and legacy.
Getting back, keeping in mind the former OKC duo of James Harden and Russell Westbrook, I believe none are as entertaining to watch as Stephen Curry. His ability to knock down triples from over 35 feet, at an efficiency only his Warriors back court partner Klay Thompson can match, was on display last season.
Although his three point shooting has dropped to mediocre by his standards, it has only helped his overall game to grow. His scoring, shooting and distribution this season are all career highs. The duo of Paul and Curry are certainly the most exciting back court duo in the West.
Front court:
Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
To say that he has earned his spot on the starter’s line-up is an understatement.
He leads the league in scoring averaging 28.5 points per game and his per game averages of 8.3 and 4.9 in rebounds and assists respectively are career highs. His team’s success so far this season also weighs in as another huge factor for him to be a starter in this season’s All-Star game.
He is once again flirting with a 50-40-90 this season however his season so far hasn’t generated that much of a buzz because we have grown accustomed to him consistently pulling off brilliant performances.
Since these predictions are on the basis of performance it’s safe to say that this player deserves to be the leading vote getter in the West.
Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
On his return from injury, Love’s performances and averages so far this season have many remembering the Love from two years ago, only that he is a much better passer now. His performance might not necessarily translate to the team’s record on the league table but you can’t deny him off what he deserves.
He is third in points per game with an average of 25.9 and leads the league in rebounding with an average of 13.9. He is also the player with the most double doubles this season in the league with 25 in 27 games played.
His incredible outside game allows him to match dagger for dagger from long range alongside the likes of Curry and Durant. His improved performance post injury gives him the upper hand on Blake Griffin.
LaMarcus Alridge (Portland Trailblazers)
He can currently be described as the center of the best offense in the league that is shocking the basketball world. He is one among only four players who average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds in a game this season. The absence of a center spot allows this talented power forward to make the cut ahead of Dwight Howard.
His point, rebounds and assists averages this season are all career highs-23.5, 10.9, 2.7 respectively. His ability to hit the catch and shoot mid range jumper efficiently and make the right plays has been the backbone of the Blazers killer offense this season.
Before you make the mistake of asking yourself where this guy was the first seven years of his career, Aldridge has quietly made the cut to be named with best in the West in the last two seasons. So it’s not like he has been invisible.
