The 10 starters have been named for the NBA All-Star Game, and the reserves will be announced Thursday night. Here are three players who deserve their first All-Star selections:
Kevin Love, Minnesota » No one has averaged at least 20 points and 15 rebounds a game since Moses Malone. Love’s numbers are good enough to overlook that the Timberwolves are in last place in the Western Conference. In a win over the Knicks earlier this season, Love posted the first 30-point, 30-rebound game in 28 years.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland » Aldridge’s ability to stay healthy in Portland is deserving of an All-Star bid in itself. Greg Oden, Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy have all missed significant time with injuries, yet the Trail Blazers are in eighth place in the West. And it’s because Aldridge is averaging career highs in points (21.4) and rebounds (9.0).
Raymond Felton, New York » The Knicks are much better and the Bobcats are much worse than last season. A lot of that has to do with Felton, who is averaging career highs in points (17.2) and assists (8.9). He also has more double-doubles (20) than any other point guard in the Eastern Conference.
