Projecting All-Star Reserves: Eastern Conference

Posted by Tom Blaz on 01/21/2013 | 0 Comments

Tags: Brook Lopez, Tyson Chandler, Paul Pierce, Carlos Boozer, Paul George, Kyrie Irving, Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Garnett

The NBA will announced reserves for next month's All-Star game this week and in advance of the release, we wanted to name our own list. First, the starters as announced by the Association. The guards are Boston's Rajon Rondo and Miami's Dwayne Wade. Wade's teammate Lebron James will man one forward spot, alongside New York's Carmelo Anthony with Boston's Kevin Garnett manning the middle. The starters are always a popularity contest, now a look at those deserving of a reserve roll.

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Backcourt

Kyrie Irving Cleveland- Irving has more than justified his selection as the overall number one pick in the draft. Kyrie hasn't made Cleveland fans forget Lebron, but he is clearly the new leader on the Cavs roster. Irving missed 11 games early this season, but is healthy again and averaging nearly 24 points per game.

Jrue Holiday Philadelphia- Fantasy owners have long known the value and potential of Holiday, but Jrue showed the nation during the last year's playoffs. Holiday is averaging nearly 20 points per game, while dishing out nine assists and grabbing more than four rebounds a night.

Forward

Paul Pierce Boston- With Ray Allen off to Miami, Boston has been reduced to the "big three". Yes, Rondo is now a member, along with Pierce and Garnett, but he can't do it alone. Do the Celtics deserve three roster spots? Probably not and if Doc Rivers can't get things going, Pierce may even be moved.

Carlos Boozer Chicago- Many are projecting Joakim Noah here, but Booozer has been clearly outplaying him since the Holidays. Boozer has been an absolute double-double machine and carrying the Bulls offense as they await the return of Derrick Rose.

Paul George Indiana- George has made Pacers fan forget the injured Danny Granger, so much in fact, Indiana could be trading him when he returns from injury early next month. George is averaging nearly 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game.

Post

Tyson Chandler New York- The Mavs made a real error in judgement by not keeping Chandler after he helped them win the NBA championship. Chandler has been a beast in the pain, averaging 11 rebounds per contest and allowing 'Melo to slide down to power forward.

Brook Lopez New Jersey- For reasons I don't understand, the NBA no longer lists the center position on the All-Star ballot. Lopez was injured early on, but his return has been critical for Brooklyn's success. It didn't save Avery Johnson's job, but with the Nets lacking a strong power forward, Lopez is more important than their highly publicized backcourt.

Up next: A look at projected Western Conference reserves

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Tom Blaz is a writer for Fantasy Alarm and co-owner of The Recruiting Eagle a website focusing on Auburn University Athletics.