NBA All-Star Ballot - First Returns

The NBA has released its All-Star ballots first returns and as usual, the results are laughable.  For injured players and guys not performing like All-Star to receive votes really bothers me.  It is not only Basketball that does it, but it is much easier to highlight in the NBA. 

2013 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING 
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Frontcourt:

1. LeBron James (Mia) 641,348
2. Carmelo Anthony (NYK) 573,112
3. Kevin Garnett (Bos) 218,246
4. Chris Bosh (Mia) 210,724
5. Tyson Chandler (NYK) 151,744
6. Paul Pierce (Bos) 114,735
7. Joakim Noah (Chi) 73,366
8. Josh Smith (Atl) 69,344
9. Andrew Bynum (Phi) 68,596
10. Amar'e Stoudemire (NYK) 64,266
11. Shane Battier (Mia) 59,419
12. Anderson Varejao (Cle) 57,336
13. Luol Deng (Chi) 48,450
14. Brook Lopez (BKN) 47,940
15. Jeff Green (Bos) 36,080

What a joke, are you kidding me?!  Andrew Bynum and Amar'e Stoudemire have not even played this season, WHY DO THEY CONTINUE TO ALLOW FANS TO VOTE FOR PLAYERS WHO ARE INJURED?!?  Until they start letting coaches and players do the voting, and leave the fans out of this, these games will always feature the same players year in and year out.  At that point, what is the point of voting!  Kevin Garnett, Bynum, Stoudemire, SHANE BATTIER?! all have more votes than Anderson Varejao!  That is just highway robbery.  Varejao is playing like a damn MVP early on and should be # 3 on this list!  Cleveland fans should be embarrassed.

Backcourt:

1. Dwyane Wade (Mia) 430,925
2. Rajon Rondo (Bos) 382,613
3. Deron Williams (BKN) 211,426
4. Kyrie Irving (Cle) 155,989
5. Ray Allen (Mia) 130,016
6. Monta Ellis (Mil) 47,650
7. Raymond Felton (NYK) 37,974
8. Jason Terry (Bos) 36,147
9. Brandon Jennings (Mil) 35,610
10. Jrue Holiday (Phi) 35,193

Very surprised to NOT see Derrick Rose here as every other injured Star has been.  I am not sure whether or not to be angry with Chicago Fans for not being like everyone else, or applaud them for understanding the meaning of the nomination.

2013 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING
WESTERN CONFERENCE

Frontcourt:

1. Kevin Durant (OKC) 605,965
2. Dwight Howard (LAL) 434,168
3. Blake Griffin (LAC) 307,855
4. Tim Duncan (SA) 189,577
5. Pau Gasol (LAL) 139,868
6. Kevin Love (Min) 112,922
7. Omer Asik (Hou) 88,178
8. Rudy Gay (Mem) 85,279
9. Serge Ibaka (OKC) 68,285
10. LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 66,290
11. Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 63,056
12. Marc Gasol (Mem) 61,716;
13. Zach Randolph (Mem) 59,916
14. Metta World Peace (LAL) 59,167
15. Anthony Davis (NO) 53,779.

Clearly Houston Rockets fans do a great job voting, and one of the few who deserve to be recognized is Omer Asik.  While I do not see him actually making the roster, it is a nice to see the fans showing him respect.  Dirk Nowitzki? Really? How many points has he scored this season? 

Backcourt:

1. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 639,419
2. Chris Paul (LAC) 353,603
3. Jeremy Lin (Hou) 298,319
4. James Harden (Hou) 196,108
5. Russell Westbrook (OKC) 143,437
6. Steve Nash (LAL) 118,073
7. Tony Parker (SA) 69,983
8. Ricky Rubio (Min) 54,744
9. Manu Ginobili (SA) 47,800
10. O.J. Mayo (Dal) 36,495

Jeremy Lin isn't even the best player on his team, yet he gets the 3rd most Guard votes?  I hope everyone reading this is just as embarrased for the NBA as I am!  How about showing some respect for the rookie out in Portland, Damian Lillard!

Here is what the NBA All-Star Teams SHOULD look like (15 man rosters):

Eastern Conference Starters

• LeBron James - Miami Heat
• Carmelo Anthony - New York Knicks
• Anderson Varejao - Cleveland Cavaliers
• Dwyane Wade - Miami Heat
• Rajon Rondo - Boston Celtics

Eastern Conference Reserves

• Tyson Chandler - New York Knicks
• Demar DeRozan - Toronto Raptors
• Jrue Holiday - Philadelphia 76ers
• Josh Smith - Atlanta Hawks
• Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics
• David West - Indiana Pacers
• Carlos Boozer - Chicago Bulls
• Kyrie Irving - Cleveland Cavaliers
• Brook Lopez - Brooklyn Nets
• Chris Bosh / Al Horford (Up for Debate)

Anyone Missing from the East?

Western Conference Starters

• David Lee - Golden State Warriors
• Kevin Durant - Oklahoma City Thunder
• Tim Duncan - San Antonio Spurs
• Kobe Bryant - Los Angeles Lakers
• Russell Westbrook - Oklahoma City Thunder

Western Conference Reserves

• Chris Paul - Los Angeles Clippers
• LaMarcus Aldridge - Portland Trail Blazers
• Stephen Curry - Golden State Warriors
• James Harden - Houston Rockets
• Tony Parker - San Antonio Spurs
• Dwight Howard - Los Angeles Lakers
• O.J. Mayo - Dallas Mavericks
• Blake Griffin - Los Angeles Clippers
• Damian Lillard - Portland Trail Blazers
• Kevin Love - Minnesota Timberwolves

Anyone Missing from the West?