| All-Star Player Rankings |
| 14 |
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He won't play Sunday because of a hip injury, which is too bad because he is one of the league's more underrated stars. The 27-year-old small forward scores (21.4), rebounds (6.8), dishes (4.5 assists) and defends (2.4 steals, third in the NBA). He plays hard at both ends, and that intensity sets the tone for the Wizards. |
15 |
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Pierce's numbers might be down in scoring (20.4) and rebounding (5.5), but his assists (4.8) are up as he willingly shares the spotlight with KG and Ray Allen. He has even drawn praise this season for his defense. While KG might be the league's MVP for his intangibles, Pierce is still Boston's best offensive weapon and its go-to guy.
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16 |
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Bosh started a little slowly due to some lingering injuries but has come on strong the past two months. The smooth-shooting lefty can score inside and out (he averages 22.5 points), and he hits the glass (9.2 rebounds). Plus, his All-Star campaign video -- in which he spoofs a used-car salesman -- was a hit on YouTube.
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| 17 |
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Early this season, the reigning MVP appeared to be suffering a bit of a hangover from last spring's disappointing finish. Overall, his scoring (22.8) is down and his three-point shooting (29.1 percent) is the lowest since his rookie year. But Nowitzki's assists (4.0) are up, and he too could just be pacing himself for the long haul.
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| 18 |
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It seems kind of crazy to say a guy who is averaging a near triple-double (11.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 10.4 assists) isn't playing up to standards, but in this case it is true. Despite those impressive numbers, Kidd also has seen a steep decline in shooting and an increase in turnovers. More tellingly, he just hasn't had the same fiery passion -- though that could change if his trade to Dallas is completed.
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| 19 |
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Don't be fooled by his relatively modest statistics. Mr. Big Shot remains the Pistons' low-maintenance, do-it-all QB. The 11th-year point guard isn't flashy like Nash or Kidd, but he scores (17.3), dishes (7.1), defends (1.4 steals), makes free throws (90.7 percent) and runs the Pistons' offense with uncommon efficiency (assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.64 to 1). |
20 |
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The reigning Rookie of the Year has built on his stellar debut season by raising his numbers across the board (19.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists). More impressive, Roy has proved a reliable go-to guy in the clutch for a young Blazers team. This could be the first of many All-Star appearances for him.
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21 |
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After a slow start offensively, Hamilton leads the first-place Pistons in scoring (18.3) while shooting career bests from the field (50.0) and the three-point line (48.1). However, he has not hit the 20-point mark in his last eight games.
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| 22 |
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Like Butler, he has helped keep the Wizards afloat through Gilbert Arenas' absence. The 10th-year forward is averaging 21.3 points and a career-best 10.4 boards. Jamison's defense has never been good, but this season he at least has been trying harder. The bottom line is that he's an All-Star scorer.
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| 23 |
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A somewhat surprising All-Star selection, the unsung forward beat out the likes of Shawn Marion and Josh Howard for this honor. That's not to say the 6-9 West didn't deserve it. He is averaging 19.8 points (on 47.6 percent shooting) and 9.2 rebounds for the conference-leading Hornets.
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| 24 |
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Selected to replace the injured Butler, he gives the Celtics a third All-Star to match the Pistons. Like KG and Pierce, Allen has sacrificed some of his stats (18.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists) for the good of the team. But he remains one of the game's best pure shooters, and he's tied for seventh in three-pointers with 112.
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| 25 |
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Picked as an injury replacement for Garnett, Wallace is nonetheless worthy. The 6-11 forward doesn't have great numbers (12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks), but he is a key for the Pistons with his ability to score inside and out as well as defend the post. The only reason he doesn't rate higher on this list is because his focus isn't always there.
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| 26 |
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An All-Star for the second straight season, the 6-7 guard has impressive stats (20.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists). But Johnson's poor shooting (40.4 percent) and somewhat inconsistent play for a 21-28 Hawks team make him the East's most surprising selection.
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