The full 2014 NBA All-Star starters and reserves have been announced and as usual there’s a couple snubs who definitely should have made the list.

Eastern Conference Starters: Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul George, Kyrie Irving and Dwyane Wade

Western Conference Starters: Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and Kevin Love

Eastern Conference Reserves: John Wall, DeMar DeRozan, Roy Hibbert, Chris Bosh, Paul Millsap, Joe Johnson, Joakim Noah

Western Conference Reserves: Chris Paul, James Harden, Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Dirk Nowitzki, Damian Lillard, Tony Parker

Eastern Conference Snubs:

Lance Stephenson: There’s no doubt that Stephenson is this year’s Stephen Curry taking the award for biggest snub.  The Indiana Pacers are 35-10 with the second best record in the NBA just falling below OKC and it’s thanks in part to their X-factor, Lance Stephenson.  This has a been an amazing year for the young guard making his case for Most Improved Player as many were starting to wonder if his potential would catch up to his production.  Stephenson is averaging 14.2 points per game, 7.2 rebounds per game and 5.4 assists per game.  In league that has Lebron James and Kevin Durant, it is Stephenson who leads the league in triple-doubles.  His reaction to the snub was dropping 14 pts, 10 rebs and 10 asts making it his fourth triple-double of the season.  Definitely a bad omission on the coaches part.

Western Conference Snubs:

DeMarcus Cousins: Now this is debatable but in my eyes Cousins is playing like the best center right now.  The Sacramento Kings aren’t doing well with 15-30 record (probably factored in) but Cousins has been playing with heart and determination this year.  The young center is averaging 22.6 points per game, 11.6 rebounds per game and 1.2 blocks.  He’s also recorded a double-double in 28 of his 40 games this season. Cousins is often noted for his volatile behavior but people around the league have noted his growth on and off the field.

Anthony Davis: No other player in the league has stuffed the stat sheet like Anthony Davis.  On a nightly basis I’ve watched Davis do everything a player can possibly do on the court.  Averaging 20.4 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game, and 3.3 blocks per game, he’s also racked up assists and steals just totally dominating the court.  Davis could block a shot on one end and have a monsterous dunk on the other end.  Like Cousins, Davis might’ve been looked at negatively due to his team’s record as the Pelicans are just 19-26 with the 12th spot in the Western Conference.  In my opinion yes the team’s record is important but the All-Star spots are individual player accolades.

Close calls:

Kyle Lowry (East): Some say Lowry should’ve made the roster over DeMar DeRozan.  Lowry is averaging 16.8 ppg, 7.6 apg and 4.3 rpg.  Though Lowry has been dealing with trade rumors for much of the season he’s been shining star on a team that’s surprised everyone.  The Toronto Raptors are 24-21, leading the Atlantic Division above the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks.

Goran Dragic (West): If you haven’t watched a Phoenix Suns game this year then you’re clearly missing out.  The 27-18 team is currently 6th in the tough Western Conference when many predicted them to be a lottery team. This is thanks to Goran Dragic.  He’s averaging 19.7 ppg, 6.1 apg, and 3.4 rpg.  His 19 points, 6 assists and 49% shooting is shared by only he and Lebron James.

Who Could’ve Been Left Off:

Dwyane Wade has sat out numerous games this year.  I know the Miami Heat have become accustomed to having three players in the All-Star game but this year it was a honor deserved by the Indiana Pacers.  Still Wade has decent numbers this year and we all know the starters are a popularity contest so it’s no surprise he’s there and I’m not that mad at it.

Joe Johnson has been Mr. Big Shot and has had some pretty great games with the Brooklyn Nets but in no way is he consistent.  The Nets were terrible until the turn of the new year where I must give them props for doing better but it’s still not enough to be chosen over Lance Stephenson.

Dirk Nowitzki: Now I’m a huge Dirk fan but this wasn’t the year for him to be an All-Star.  I’m assuming it was a respect thing amongst the coaches.  He has been putting up awesome numbers lately including 38 points against Houston and 28 against Detroit but it’s just not enough.

Dwight Howard hasn’t been the best center in the league this year although he should be dominating.  Don’t get me wrong, Howard is having a good year statistically, averaging 18.1 ppg, 12.5 rpg and 1.7 blocks.  I guess I just expect more from Howard given his size and athleticism and what I’ve seen him capable of doing.  We all know his free throws and post moves are dreadful.  I’m not totally mad at this pick though, it’s just a thought if we’re thinking replacements.

Note:

Kobe Bryant is said to be out another three weeks and is likely to miss the All-Star game freeing up a spot.  Chris Paul is also injured with a separated shoulder but says he will return.  This spot is questionable.

If you think I left anybody out drop a comment.  Feedback is always appreciated.

– Shaina Auxilly (@Shay_Marie)