Boston is the best team in the Eastern Conference, but the Celtics were shut out of the All-Star starting lineups.
That’s a wrong that can — and should — be righted tomorrow, when the All-Star reserves are announced on?TNT.
Four C’s have absolutely made their case for a spot in the NBA’s showcase event. Here’s why they should be punching their tickets in a few weeks.
G Rajon Rondo
There’s not much of an argument here. It was either Rajon Rondo or Chicago’s Derrick Rose at PG in the East, and Rose got more votes from the fans. Rondo is certainly having an All-Star caliber year, though, with the best assists average (12.6) in the league. He missed some time due to injury, but his 15 second-half assists against the Lakers proved he’s back.
G Ray Allen
If there was an All-Classy Team, Ray Allen could be captain and MVP every season. On the court, he’s worthy of an All-Star nod this season, too. Allen’s skill and work ethic make him one of the most respected players in the league among his peers, and he’s set to break Reggie Miller’s all-time record for total 3-pointers during the best long-range shooting season of his 16-year career.
F Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce leads all small forwards in FG shooting at just over 51 percent. That’s due to the fact Pierce has never been a more efficient scorer than he is now. Gone are the days of forced shots. Averaging just 13 attempts per game, the C’s captain lets the game come to him — or any of his teammates. But when he’s called upon, he answers the bell — usually with a “swish.”
F Kevin Garnett
There isn’t a lick of defense played in the All-Star Game, but Kevin Garnett’s regular-season intensity should earn him a spot in the showcase until he retires. The Knicks’ Amare Stoudemire won the starting job this year, but Garnett can teach him a thing or two about low post ‘D.’ Even without that, KG is having his best year since the Celtics won the whole thing.
