Photo Credit: AP

With the NBA All Star Game fast approaching it’s time to take a look at who could round out the reserve spots for the East and West teams. Please click this link to see the Eastern selections http://ussdu.com/Xo1uQ9

Tim Duncan

Another sure thing for me and although he would probably show up and play 2 minutes, his play so far this year has been nothing short of incredible. Averaging 17 points, 10 boards and just under 3 blocks per game at this point in his career, in reduced minutes…. wow! Keen for Timmy to get the nod, just to beef up his hall of fame resume.

James Harden

After an early season trade to Houston, many wondered what would become of the “bearded wonder”. Can he be the man in Houston, is he good enough? Well almost halfway through the season I think we can all agree the answer is a resounding yes!

Harden has teamed with former enigma Jeremy Lin to lead a motley crew of players into being a more than competent basketball team. Harden is now the primary option, often the primary ball handler and the fact he is a lefty makes all those sweet moves all the more all star worthy.

David Lee

Lee is having a hell of a season averaging 20 points and 10 boards while shooting over 50% as we near the halfway point of the season. His Warriors are no longer the laughing stock of the West and now show the potential to challenge some of the more polished NBA franchises.

Lee has been a constant on the boards and is constantly ensuring these run and gun Warriors keep the pace up. Lee has been doing this for years on losing teams so deserves to be rewarded as they now have the wins to show for his hard work.

Russell Westbrook

What is there to say about Russ? A pocket rocket with the frame of a bulldozer, Westbrook is an excitement machine. One of the more ferocious dunkers in the league, the all star game must have Westbrook in it. While his team mate and fellow all star never seems to take these games too seriously, Westbrook would be intent on showcasing his talents and literally ramming the ball down the East’s throat.

Serge Ibaka

The nickname “Serge IBlocka” still fits the bill however Ibaka has just taken the step from defensive roll player to potential long time all star. Ibaka suddenly has a reliable mid range game which is tearing defenses apart who tend to focus on Westbrook and Durant. His athleticism is perfect for this kind of event and i’m sure he would be showcased to show his full potential and some jaw dropping dunks.

Zach Randolph

The beast of the West, Z-Bo as he is more commonly referred to has been often the sole offensive constant for an offensively challenged Memphis Grizzlies. Zach is a powerhouse forward and like fellow PF David Lee is a walking 20,10 player. After cleaning his act up since bouncing around the league, Randolph is a definite favourite of mine and deserves to bang with the big boys in the All Star game.

Stephen Curry

This one I struggled with, Steph or Parker….. I’ve gone with Curry but only by a slim margin. Injuries continue to put question marks over his availability as he seems to be hurt badly every other week however there is no denying his talents when he is suited up and ready to play. Already just in the past month his Warriors have knocked off the Los Angeles Clippers twice. Averaging 20 points, 7 assists and 4 boards, this should be the year he prevails and joins the next group of elite guards.