Why is it that there is no foreigner in the east conference selection for the nba All Stars game??
111537
The best foreign player in the East is Zydrunas Ilgauskas. He is a center. The two centers that made it for the East were Ben Wallace and Shaquille O'Neal.  Ilgauskas has had a phenomenal year, showing the ability to take over games. But Ilgauskas, who plays for the Cavaliers, is overshadowed by Lebron James and maybe even Larry Hughes. It is difficult for coaches to vote in Ilgauskas over Wallace because coaches all know how Wallace can change the complexion of a game in interior defense.
595472
It's been 20 years since Bird, McHale and Parish won for the Celtics last and few good times in between.\n\nDanny Ainge seems to be forming a nucleus with a view to contending in the next 3-5 years.  If they can't do it within that time frame, time will run out for Pierce and rebuilding will start again.\n\nWhat they need is a 2nd and perhaps 3rd genuine all-star performer, preferably a big man, who can perform at both ends.\n\nThink about NJ.  They have 3 star types but can't get past the 2nd round.  Look at Pistons and Heat - superstars in both lineups.  We need to get past these teams to win it all.  You don't win in the NBA with 1 superstar.\n\nI'm dirty on us giving up on Billups all those years ago.  Would be great to see Pierce and Billups tearing it up together.\n\nA rebounder is critical to get firstly into the playoffs and be more competitive.  We desperately hope that Gomes or Jefferson can be a player that can take their game to a much higher level.  Are they the next stars, we'll see.\n\nWith the no 7 pick, Danny please choose wisely.\n\nGo Celts.
588706
The Euroleage has been thriving for some seasons now and basketball is very popular, particularly in Spain and some Eastern European countries. The standard of competition is very high indeed. One key thing to note is that the fundamentals in European teams are very very sound, some would say even more so than in the NBA, and every player will be expected to be able to set picks, do pick and rolls, shoot a decent mid range jump shot, set effective screens and so on. If you are with the air force, I would suggest trying to get a posting in Germany, where Basketball is getting increasingly popular, and perhaps seeing if you could play in a semi-professional league there first.
942043
there really are times like this. the answer is simple, there are many better teams in the west, like the Spurs Suns Mavs..... yeah east may have LBJ but him alone isn't enough to take on MVP Steve Nash and his bestfriend Dirk.. and you got Kobe KG TMac Yao Tim Amare Melo and a whole lot more!!!east just got LBJ and DWade...and good old Shaq..yeah west is just better right now.
230978
I'm with the guy up there. You have all the "young guns" so to speak in the East--but what they don't have and the West DOES--is EXPERIENCE! You are oozing with it in the West with Duncan, Parker, Bryant (yes, even him..), Garnett (even though he's only made it to round 1), Nash, Nowitzki, etc!!! I'd take age and experience over youth and "bounce" any day of the week!
1152385
I think KG could go to one of three places. The Bobcats, who are in dire need of a leader and a big man; the Cavs, who, with Lebron, would be an automatic contender and team to beat, and don't rule out the Spurs--who are in the market for a center/forward who can provide! KG's good friends with Tim, and the organization is top notch. If S.A ever DID get KG..??? Heaven help the other teams..! STARTING LINEUP: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen. One word: CRAP. LoL!
9572
Kudos to the person who pointed out that Kidd is bi-racial, and add Bibby to that list as well. To whomever suggested Christian Laettner, you must not have seen him play since the UK-Duke buzzer beater that broke my heart in 1992. He's been a bust and a stiff ever since. I'll side with the guy who said Brad Miller, since he's one of the best at his position period (the hardest position to find in the NBA, no less), and would have to be at least top-5 in a list of American-born, white, active players.
823853
The Jazz are a DEEP team... even though the NBA season still has 85-90% left to play, I think they are a shoe in for the playoffs.\n\nNow, as for the FINALS... the West is going to be pretty tough to get through. So, it would not surprise me to see the Western champs lose the finals in 5 or 6 games like last year. \n\nThe East will be cake walk, and the West will be a war!
529012
With all these star players they won't play well together. \nWhat I'm trying to say is with so many stars they each want the glory to themselves and won't play as a team.
203095
I also think it's a disgrace, especially in light of who they picked ahead of him -- Shane Battier, Gilbert Arenas, Greg Oden (high school kid)?  Give me a break.  While some people may not agree with certain aspects of his personality, nobody can deny that he plays with a whole lot of heart.  Practically, he presents matchup challenges to any team.  While his team didn't get it done last time, D. wade and Lebron James were on the team as well last time, and they both got invites.  AI, future hall of famer, doesn't deserve this snub.
506959
it is amazing..how so many wanna be people...need a leader of the pack to enjoy a sport.  It is amazing how so many people can not respect a group of guys like themselves (humble and talented) who are awsome at the game of basketball.  It is amazing how we place the Kobe and the LaBroms of the world higher than anything or anyone.  Do they not talk and walk like the rest of us?  The Detroit Pistons are a great talented team and do not need a STAR because they are all STARS.
1922
Why would the Pistons want Ron Artest? They're already the best team in the East. Their success, just like the Spurs out West, is built on team chemistry. On your list of top team chemistry killers, Artest has to be at or near the top with the likes of Ruben Patterson, Latrell Spreewell, and Kobe Bryant.\n\nAlso, they just made a large investment in Tayshaun Prince, who is overacheiving because he's found a team where his skill set is an exact match for the role they need him to play. (This coming from a die-hard UK fan, BTW.) \n\nIf it ain't broke, don't fix it.
237873
YOU CANNOT PICK STEVE NASH!!  HE IS CANADIAN!\n\n\n\nPoint Guard- Chauncey Billups. He is the whole package. He is anchoring the #1 team this year. he is consistently the top FT shooter in the NBA. His defense is superb and his nickname tells you about pressure situations : " Mr. Big Shot"\n\nShooting Guard- Dwayne Wade. He is unselfish, great player and great person. I take him over Bryant, not because of kis ball skills, but because of his team-manship. This guy is what US basketball should be.\n\nSmall Forward-  Bruce Bowen. This guy can and will shut down whoever he guards. he has proved it every year for the past 5 years that he is the games best defensive player. He doesnt get enough recognition for his defensive skills, and this Dream Team needs someone like him.\n\nPower Forward- Shawn Marion. One of the best players in the NBA. He is dominant in the low post and can hit the oputside shot. He is energetic for all 48 minutes of the game and is dominant on defense.\n\nCenter- Shaq. if he plays. Still  top 5 most feared players. Nobody in the world can be as dominant ask the Diesel.\n\nBench- \n\n1. Lebron James.  He can knock down any shot at any spot on the court. His defense has also improved greatly this year. He has developed his 3 point shot. I feel he is the next Jordan, and who ewouldnt Jordan on the team....\n\n2. Luke Ridnour- great ball handler and great player. Deserves the chance to play for his country.\n\n3. Kobe Brynt. No one like him. He has the best shot in the NBA and his defense has improved greatly this year. \n\n4. Marcus Camby- can be one of the select players who can alter the game with his energy. If hes healthy, i want him on the team\n\n5. Tim Duncan- HAsent proved himself worthy in recent Olympics, but he is still on eo fthe best US players there is.
85554
4 - Chauncy Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton, and Ben wallace. Please see the roster for the east team below:\n\nAll-Stars \nEast Starters \nAllen Iverson G 76ers 33.5 ppg, 7.4 apg \nDwyane Wade G Heat 27.4 ppg, 6.8 apg \nLeBron James F Cavs 31.2 ppg, 7 rpg \nGilbert Arenas G Wizards 28.3 ppg, 5.9 apg \nShaquille O'Neal C Heat 19.4 ppg, 9.3 rpg \nEast Reserves \nChauncey Billups G Pistons 18.9 ppg, 8.5 apg \nRichard Hamilton G Pistons 21.6 ppg, .504 FG% \nChris Bosh F Raptors 22.5 ppg, 9.2 rpg \nVince Carter F Nets 23.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg \nPaul Pierce F Celtics 26.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg \nRasheed Wallace F Pistons 15.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg \nBen Wallace C Pistons 7.8 ppg, 12.2 rpg \nGilbert Arenas G Wizards 28.3 ppg, 5.9 apg
1077774
A lot of people think that they have what it takes to make it in the NBA.However,for whatever reason,they are either playing overseas or are sent to the NBA Developmental League.Jumpshots and dunks are good,but people skills are also required to make it in the National Basketball Association.
1169570
He didn't get picked in the NBA two rounds.  He's been suffering from a groin injury which didn't help matters.  Today's news claims he might be working with an Orlando agent.  Orlando might not be a good fit for G-Mac since Reddick will be some tough competition for that outside shooter spot.  Hopefully Denver will snag him- they could use G-Mac's talents not to mention reuniting him with Carmelo.
820133
I take offense to you accusing being picked because you are black.  Why are you so down on non black race?  I play basketball and we pick teams before we play.  Who we choose to pick first is who we think has the better game.  If you don't like basketball you shouldn't be there.  I have never heard anyone complain of being picked first whether they are black, brown, green or red.  Thumbs down