With the 2002 All-Star Game fast approaching, we get out our telescopes and see whose stars are burning brightest in the NBA galaxy. The starters having been named by the fans, we make our selections for the seven reserves on the Eastern and Western squads, with an eye toward performance and roster balance.

WESTERN CONFERENCE
STARTERS
C	PF	SF	SG	PG
Shaquille O'Neal	Tim Duncan	Kevin Garnett	Kobe Bryant	Steve Francis

RESERVES
F		Dirk Nowitzki The German Bird ranks in the top 12 in points and rebounds, and can flat out shoot the ball. He gets the nod over injured teammate Michael Finley.
G		Gary Payton This season's numbers are actually better than his career marks. He might not talk as much trash, but the Glove still leaves foes crying.
F		Chris Webber Even though he missed a lot of games earlier this season, Webber's still one of the league's best all-around big men. An easy call.
F		Karl Malone His numbers aren't that far off his career marks, and he still carries the Jazz each night. Besides, he can represent John Stockton as well.
F		Peja Stojakovic He proved he's an elite scorer while carrying the Webber-less Kings during the early part of season.
G		Steve Nash Even though his scoring and assist numbers aren't as high as Stephon Marbury's, Nash has to share the spotlight with two other offensive stars. Besides, maybe he'll bring Elizabeth Hurley to the game.
F		Elton Brand His rebounding stats and field-goal percentage are better than those of Rasheed Wallace, and he's been a true leader.

ON THE BUBBLE
Michael Finley, Stephon Marbury, Rasheed Wallace, John Stockton, Shawn Marion, Lamar Odom, Danny Fortson, Wally Szczerbiak, Antawn Jamison, Nick Van Exel

EASTERN CONFERENCE
STARTERS
C	PF	SF	SG	PG
Dikembe Mutombo	Antoine Walker	Vince Carter	Michael Jordan	Allen Iverson

RESERVES
G		Jason Kidd He should be in the starting lineup instead of Jordan. He's the best pure point in the league and the main reason for the Nets' dramatic turnaround.
F		Tracy McGrady Ranks right up there with Kobe and Vince as the best all-around players in the game; another obvious choice.
F		Paul Pierce Ranks second in NBA in scoring with solid numbers across the board. He's taken his game to another level.
G		Ray Allen His Ironman streak may have ended, but he's still The Man in Milwaukee. He gets the nod over teammates Glenn Robinson and Sam Cassell.
F		Jerry Stackhouse Stack gets the slight edge over Latrell Sprewell, since All-Star Games are about scoring. Also, Pistons have had a better season than the Knicks.
C		Jermaine O'Neal He's been one of the league's top rebounders and shot blockers all season. Besides, the East needs another big man.
G		Andre Miller Leading the NBA in assists should be worth something. But this time, Andre, if you get the chance, dunk the ball!

ON THE BUBBLE
Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Latrell Sprewell, Baron Davis, Glenn Robinson, Allan Houston, Alonzo Mourning, Ben Wallace, Sam Cassell, Eddie Jones.

 

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