LeBron James will make his seventh career NBA All-Star appearance, but his first as a member of the Miami Heat. James joined Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh during the off-season to chase his first NBA title. However, many people expected LeBron’s numbers to plummet since he had to share the ball with two other stars. Although the early portion of the season was a disappointment for the Heat, the team is now in the hunt for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. As for LeBron James he is once again in the MVP conversation and is averaging 26.1 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game and 7.0 assists per game.
Amar’e Stoudemire- New York Knicks (Starter)
Amar’e Stoudemire has completely changed the New York Knicks, and the team is on the verge of returning to the playoffs. In previous seasons, the Knicks were often ridiculed and disrespected by fans and analysts. However, thanks to his stellar play and MVP contributions, Stoudemire is considered the “savior” for New York Knicks basketball. Stoudemire will start for the 2011 Eastern Conference All-Stars, becoming the first Knicks starter since Patrick Ewing in 1992. In the 2010-2011 season, Amar’e has averaged 26.1 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 2.7 apg.
Dwight Howard- Orlando Magic (Starter)
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is regarded as the best center in the NBA, and for good reason. Howard has won Defensive Player of the Year the past two seasons and he has been selected to five NBA All-Star games. With Howard dominating the paint, the Orlando Magic are once again in the race for the Eastern Conference championship. Although Howard seems to be an innocuous person, he is full of power and strength. Howard’s tenacity on the boards and his defensive prowess thwarts opponents from getting easy shots. This season “Superman” is averaging 22.8 ppg, 13.8 rpg and 2.1 bpg.
Chris Bosh- Miami Heat
Unlike his Miami Heat teammates, Chris Bosh was not voted in as an Eastern Conference starter. Instead, the Dallas native was selected by the NBA coaches and will be coming off the bench for another season. Out of the “Heatles,” Bosh’s numbers have seen the biggest decline and he is sometimes the forgotten star on the team. Chris Bosh is currently putting up 18.5 ppg and grabbing 8.1 rpg.
Kevin Garnett- Boston Celtics
Kevin Garnett is one of four Boston Celtics to be selected as an All-Star and this year’s game will be the 14th of his career. Garnett was plagued with injuries last season, but this season he is completely healthy and has led the Celtics to the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Paul Pierce- Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce will make his ninth All-Star appearance and he will do it in his hometown of Los Angeles. Although the Staples Center crowd is not fond of Paul Pierce, he is well deserving of this All-Star selection. In his 13th season with the Boston Celtics, Pierce is averaging 18.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.2 apg.
Al Horford- Atlanta Hawks
Al Horford will make his second consecutive All-Star appearance, and he will be joined by fellow teammate Joe Johnson. Horford has been an essential player for the Hawks’ success and is probably the most consistent player on the team.