Eastern Conference Snubs
Josh Smith - Smith has especially stepped up for the Hawks following the injury to Al Horford. He can be an inconsistent player at times, but he is still one of the best big men in the Eastern Conference. He is averaging over 15 points per game (ppg) and nearly 9 rebounds. He has also played very well defensively.
Greg Monroe - Despite playing for a bad team, Monroe has quietly put together a very solid season in his second year in the league. This season he has averaged 16.4 ppg and 10.0 rpg. He has had 16 double-doubles so far this season, including four in his past four games. It easy for Monroe to get overlooked in Motown, but he is developing into one of the best young big men in the league.
Western Conference Snubs
Paul Millsap - The Utah Jazz are quietly putting together a solid season. One of the main reasons why has been the play of Millsap. The Jazz believed in Millsap when the let Carlos Boozer go. While those were big shoes for Millsap to step into, he has developed nicely with the opportunity he has been given. On the season, he is averaging 16.5 ppg and 9.7 rpg.
Kyle Lowry - Lowry is another one of these young players who were given a spot to start. Lowry has thrived in Houston. The thing I like most about him is how balanced of a point guard he is. This season he has averaged 14.7 ppg, 7.6 apg, and 5.7 rpg. He is clearly a complete package. From a developmental prospective, that is a great thing. I understand the West is loaded with great point guards, but young guys like Lowry deserve to be selected.
Eastern Conference Surprises
Luol Deng - Don't get me wrong. It is nice to see Deng get the recognition he deserves. However, I am not sold on him being a selection. He is a good all around player, but he is averaging only 16.0 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Deng has also missed playing in about a quarter of the Bulls' games this season. This is particularly significant in a shortened season such as this.
Roy Hibbert - I understand the selection from the standpoint of rewarding the Pacers for their great early season success. Just like Deng, Hibbert has played well enough to be an All-Star. I am just not convinced he is the best player at his position. There are players I would have chosen ahead of him, including the aforementioned Josh Smith and Greg Monroe.
Western Conference Surprises
Dirk Nowitzki - Nowitzki came out and told the media clearly that he didn't believe he deserved to be an All-Star. No one seemed to listen though as he was selected, despite his numbers being down so much. He is averaging over five ppg and two rpg less then before. Dirk will make the most of his opportunity. Whether or not he thinks he deserves, he will play in the game. Perhaps it will be the spark he needs to get his game back to where it normally is.
Marc Gasol - This selection of Marc Gasol was a surprising one as well. His numbers are good enough, but he might not be the best big man available to be selected. I would also make the argument that he wasn't the most deserving Grizzly player. Rudy Gay has been more of the difference maker than Gasol following the injury to Zach Randolph.
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