After all the fans votes were counted, the NBA released the names of the starters for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. To be played in Phoenix, this game will feature a host of upcoming stars and legendary veterans. Here’s a look at the players who will be starting.

Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
Last season, Chris Paul finished second in the race for Most Valuable Players. This season, he’ll be making his first start in the All-Star game and is now considered one of the brightest stars in the league.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
The reigning MVP, Kobe Bryant has led the Lakers to the best record in the Western Conference. Although his stats aren’t as spectacular as last season, Los Angeles is an even better team.

Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns
Amare Stoudemire will get a chance to start in front of his home fans. This amazingly athletic power forward has made it all the way back following a pair of serious knee surgeries.

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
With four championship rings to his name and countless other accolades, Tim Duncan keeps moving up the all-time ranks. And his championship days may not be done because the Spurs once again look sharp.

Yao Ming, Houston Rockets
Once upon a time, Yao Ming getting the starting nod at center in the NBA All-Star Game was controversial. Not anymore. Yao is undoubtedly the best center in the Western Conference.

Allen Iverson, Detroit Pistons
At the beginning of the season, Allen Iverson was with the Denver Nuggets. After being traded to the Eastern Conference, his fans apparently followed him to the Detroit Pistons as he’ll be starting in the All-Star game once again.

Dwyade Wade, Miami Heat
Over the summer, Dwyane Wade helped lead the USA to a gold medal in the Olympic Games. During this NBA season, Wade is once again healthy and once again showing why few players in the world are more talented.

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Nicknamed “King James”, LeBron James is having a fantastic season. In fact, most NBA experts expect James to take home his first MVP this season and he should have the Cavaliers in the championship talk.

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
The reigning NBA champions have only one starter in the game - Kevin Garnett. Although Paul Pierce and perhaps Ray Allen will be added to the All-Star game roster, Garnett apparently is the fans’ favorite.

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Not only did Dwight Howard lead the entire NBA in All-Star votes, he set a new record for the most All-Star votes. The behemoth Magic center is not only a great player, he has an outgoing personality that fans love.

Tags: all-star team, basketball, chris paul, dwyane wade, kobe bryant, lebron james, nba, nba allstars, tim duncan
Posted in Sports |