Projecting All-Star Reserves: Western Conference

Posted by Tom Blaz on 01/23/2013 | 0 Comments

Tags: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, David Lee, LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol

The NBA will announced reserves for next month's All-Star game tomorrow and in advance of the release, we wanted to name our own list. First, the starters as announced by the Association. The guards are Chris Paul from the Clippers and the Lakers Kobe Bryant, the Clippers Blake Griffin and Thunder forward Kevin Durant, along with Lakers center Dwight Howard. The starters are always a popularity contest, now a look at those deserving of a reserve roll.

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Backcourt

Russell Westbrook Thunder- Do he and Durant forge the best one-two punch in the Association? Westbrook is averaging nearly 23 points per game, adding more than eight assists and five rebounds per contest. Will soon supplant Kobe as Western Conference starter for the remainder of the decade.

James Harden Rockets- Caught everyone's attention with his blazing start following the trade. With 26 points per game and roughly five assists and rebounds, Harden deserves to be a starter. While his jump of numbers would have never happened in Oklahoma City, he made the transition from sixth man to superstar.

Tony Parker Spurs- Deserving, but a tough choice over the Warriors Stephen Curry. Always popular, Parker's fantasy numbers have never justified the hype... until this season. Parker is averaging almost 20 points and more than seven assists per contest, while shooting an amazing 52% from the floor.

Forward

Tim Duncan Spurs- Zach Randolph probably deserves a spot, but certainly not at the expense of the ageless Duncan. He may wear down in the season's second half, but more than 17 points and nearly ten rebounds and three blocks per game are All-Star numbers.

David Lee Warriors- Lee continues to improve each season as his 20 points and 11 rebounds per game testify. Lee is also a fantastic passer,  averaging nearly four assists per contest. With the absence of injured center Andrew  Bogut, Lee has handled the blue collar tasks alone.

LaMarcus Aldridge Blazers- Aldridge has battled through injury to average more than 20 points and eight rebounds per game. Largely underrated and ignored to this point in his career,  Aldridge is garnering attention leading a much improved Portland squad.

Post

Marc Gasol Grizzlies- Gasol deserves a spot on his defense and passing alone. Who would have dreamed that Memphis would end up getting the better of the swap of brothers with the Lakers. Pau has helped the Lakers to several crowns, but Marc holds longer turn (and current) value.

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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.