2013: The Year Of The First Time All-Star

by UK American Sports Fans

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There is little doubt that, over the last few seasons, there has been a generational shift in the NBA. Ask the average fan for a list of true superstars and you’ll hear the same names: LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose. While the old guard – Garnett, Pierce, Duncan, Ginobili, Nowitzki and Bryant – are still viewed as elite players, their days at the very top appear numbered.

The NBA’s global appeal is becoming increasingly far reaching, with a wealth of international stars filling the 30 rosters. While this may have a positive effect on the NBA brand, it has often been accused of skewing showpiece events such as the All-Star Game. The international bias has long affected All-Star voting – Yao Ming in 2011 – and this year’s rosters looks destined to follow suit.

Improvements in technology, in combination with the mass of viewing platforms available to the public, have helped lessen the large-market bias that has previously dominated the All-Star voting.  Kevin Love’s selection last year, on a poor Timberwolves team, is one such example.

The combination of these factors equate to increased chance – a level playing field – in which any NBA player can aspire to become an All-Star, regardless of their age, nationality or the size of their teams market share. All of this could result in a glut of first time All-Stars in 2013.

A further consideration to evaluate, before predicting potential first time All-Stars, is the recent rule change in All-Star voting that has replaced the centre position with a third forward. While this has undoubtedly hurt the chances of traditional hard-working centres, such as Mark Gasol and Joakim Noah, it appears to have opened the door for many young, exciting forwards who would have otherwise missed out.

Projected First Time Eastern All-Stars

Josh Smith – Atlanta Hawks

Player Attributes: 26 years old, SF, 6ft 9”, 225 lbs, 8 years pro

Career Stats: 600 GP, 34 MPG, 46.4 FG%, 27.8 3P%, 67 FT%, 7.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.2 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 2.48 TO, 15.1 PPG

Josh Smith is now, after the Hawks parted ways with Joe Johnson in the offseason, unquestionably the face of the franchise. Smith possesses all the talent in the world; he can pass, block shots and steal. He’s not missed a game for six years. Smith averaged career highs in points (18.8) and rebounds (9.6) last year. If he avoids shooting the three, there will be little for all-star votes to quibble with. Smith’s All-Star chances dramatically increased with the addition of the extra forward position.

Kyrie Irving – Cleveland Cavaliers

Player Attributes: 20 years old, PG, 6ft 3”, 191 lbs, 1 year pro

Career Stats: 51 GP, 30.5 MPG, 46.9 FG%, 39.9 3P%, 87.2 FT%, 3.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 0.4 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 3.1 TO, 18.5 PPG

Kyrie had a stellar rookie campaign. His eye-catching ball handling, electric scoring and efficient numbers almost booked him a place on last year’s All-Star team. ESPN already have the Cavaliers point guard ranked as the leagues 22nd best player. In addition, Kyrie’s public popularity has soared with the introduction of ‘Uncle Drew’. Irving is looking to take the next step in his sophomore year and, if successful, he should have no trouble making the 2013 All-Star roster.

Greg Monroe – Detroit Pistons

Player Attributes: 22 years old, PF/C, 6ft 11”, 250 lbs, 2 years pro

Career Stats: 146 GP, 29.5 MPG, 53.3 FG%, 00.0 3P%, 68.5 FT%, 8.4 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.6 BPG, 1.2 SPG, 1.7 TO, 12.1 PPG

The hopes of a Pistons revival rest largely on the broad shoulders of Greg Monroe. Monroe is a hardworking, efficient big who dominates the paint on both ends of the floor. For the first time Monroe has a frontcourt mate with size, which will allow him to play extended minutes at the four. The partnership should spread the floor enough to allow Drummond to utilise his nimble footwork.

Projected First Time Western All-Stars

Jeremy Lin – Houston Rockets

Player Attributes: 24 years old, PG, 6ft 3”, 200 lbs, 2 years pro

Career Stats: 64 GP, 19.1 MPG, 43.7 FG%, 31.3 3P%, 79.3 FT%, 2.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 0.3 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 TO, 9.2 PPG

Linsantity came to characterise the 2011/12 NBA season. The league and its fans were divided as to whether or not Lin was a flash in the pan – just ask Carmelo Anthony. Yet, what cannot be question is that when Lin is on the floor there is a wave of excitement, regardless of whether he is driving through the paint or turning the ball over. Lin doesn’t have great foot speed on the defensive end, but he is long which allows him to recover with plenty of steals and blocked shots.  Lin has a huge international following that should see him start in the 2013 All-Star Game.

James Harden – Houston Rockets

Player Attributes: 23 years old, SG, 6ft 5”, 220 lbs, 3 years pro

Career Stats: 220 GP, 26.7 MPG, 44.4 FG%, 37.0 3P%, 83.5 FT%, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.3 BPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.6 TO, 12.7 PPG

I think we will all remember where we were when the news came through of Harden’s trade, and the subsequent realisation that the potential dynasty of KD, Westbrook, Ibaka and Harden in small market OKC was over. Harden has now elevated himself from third to first option. No longer the 6th man he will see extended minutes and increased offensive responsibility. Harden is clearly a top tier talent and the prospect of him developing alongside Lin will be too much for All-Star voters to ignore.

Rudy Gay – Memphis Grizzlies

Player Attributes: 26 years old, SF, 6ft 8”, 230 lbs, 6 years pro

Career Stats: 437 GP, 36.1 MPG, 45.6 FG%, 34.7 3P%, 77.1 FT%, 5.7 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 BPG, 1.3 SPG, 2.28 TO, 17.9 PPG

Like Josh Smith, it’s hard to understand why Rudy Gay has been constantly overlooked for All-Star selection. Gay possesses all the skills you would seek from a potential All-Star: exciting, athletic, fearless and clutch in the fourth quarter. The small forward must re-establish himself as the go-to-guy in Memphis this year, if he is to break out and make the Western All-Star roster.