Could Ray Allen be an All-Star this season?

The reason I ask is because there is no certain amount of games that need to be played (i think) to be an All-Star, and his stats since coming back are definately worthy of being an All-Star. My question is, considering how stacked the West is with forwards, could the coaches vote Ray into the game despite the fact that he missed all of November and the majority of December through injury?

Ray's Season Thus Far:

17 games played, 36.1 mpg

24.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.41 spg
44.4% FG, 37.3% 3FG (50 made @ 2.94 made a game)

Best Games:

- 28 points, 8 rebounds in an 87-86 win in Houston
- 35 points, 9 assists, 3 steals (and the game winner) in a 111-109 win against the Lakers
- 42 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists (27 in the last period and OT) in a 119-108 win against Portland
- 28 points, 7 rebounds in a 90-81 win in Philadelphia
- 41 points, 5 assists, 3 steals in a 102-97 win against the Clippers

Seattle's record since he came back: 9-7

Main Competition:
Steve Nash, Andre Miller, Quentin Richardson, Sam Cassell, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Bobby Jackson, Tony Parker, Cuttino Mobley, Manu Ginobili, Gary Payton, Latrell Sprewell, Jason Richardson*

<font size="1">*Kobe Bryant and Steve Francis will be the likely starters.</font>

Now obviously Sam Cassell has a spot stitched up, but with the lack of great guards in the West this season (especially with Marbury going East), has Ray done enough in 17 games (so far) to earn a roster spot? Thoughts on this would be much appreciated.

 

He definitely could be, but I dont think he will...its likely an unwritten rule since he hasnt played nearly as many games, and there are so many guys who deserve it...

 

They could vote him into the All-Star game, but I doubt coaches would vote in a player who missed so many games. I see them voting in Maggette or Cassell getting the vote, probably Cassell.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting HoustonHoopa33:</div><div class="quote_post">He definitely could be, but I dont think he will...its likely an unwritten rule since he hasnt played nearly as many games, and there are so many guys who deserve it...</div>

Fair point, but how many West guards are actually worthy of being an All-Star? The East is stacked with guards, the West is stacked with forwards.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Phreeze:</div><div class="quote_post">They could vote him into the All-Star game, but I doubt coaches would vote in a player who missed so many games. I see them voting in Maggette or Cassell getting the vote, probably Cassell.</div>

I'm pretty sure Maggette is listed as a forward. Cassell is a certainty, however.

 

I think he is going to get in to the All-star game. The Nba likes to have as many teams represented as possible. And the Sonics have been one of the more solid teams in the NBA, this season & they will need a representative. And Ray is the face of the Sonics. But if it was my choice I would take Spree because he has played all season. And the timberwolves stand a very logical change of having the best record in the West at the break. But the truth is there will be no way that the Wolves get in three all-stars. Q Rich & GP stand a shot of getting in simply because of the location of the All-star game. Everybody else you listed have had solid seasons but not all-star worthy. So I say Ray more than likely in.But you never Know they might just decide to put Melo or Peja as a guard.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">Fair point, but how many West guards are actually worthy of being an All-Star? The East is stacked with guards, the West is stacked with forwards.</div>

Cassell, Andre Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Richardson, Michael Finley...there are a lotta potential All-Stars at guard in the West...you could probably make cases for Mike Bibby and Steve Nash as well...bottom line is, to be selected by coaches, you have to be an MVP of your respected team, plus your team has to be winning, or respectable...to be selected by fans, all you have to do is have your name out there and be on ESPN every nite...Ray has the best chance to be selected by the fans (his team is mediocre), but that wont happen with Bryant and Francis around...

 

For him to have just come back from injury, he got his feel for the game back very quickly. Even his first game back was a monster game, and he's doing this against everyone - not just the "shabby" teams in the league. His efforts is the fourth quarters are just incredible, and he makes it know he does not want to be overshadowed by any player in the league.

Yes, Sam Cassell will have a spot this time, but I'll break down the competition some.

Q Rich is a good scorer, but he's not a team player. Rarely does he dish out more than 4 assists, and he takes a lot of illadvised shots.

Doug Christie is good, but he's generally a defensive minded player. For an All Star Game, he's not "fun" to watch.

Bobby Jackson is a sixth man - he brings a lot of energy, but truth be told, he can't compare with the likes of Ray Allen. Same with Bibby, except he's not a sixth man, ha.

Gary Payton is getting old, and he's likely frustrated with the Lakers losing games. He's also not really "fun" to watch.

Cuttino Mobley isn't as quick or flashy as Ray, and his inconsistency is sometimes annoying. He's not at the All Star level yet.

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will both likely take place in the Rookie versus Sophomore game the day before, and neither are at the All Star level yet.

Steve Nash, the "stop and pop" player. He can make up not being flashy by being entertaining with his chucking and penetration. However, he was recently injured, and I'd much rather see Ray than him.

I see Andre Miller as his only real competition. The guy's a great passer and a decent shooter, too, and putting up excellent numbers in Denver, which are quite comparable to Ray's.

And yeah, Kobe and Franchise will most likely start. No beating them out, especially since Kobe came back and put on a show today.

 

Ray definetley deserves to be there, and I hope he is. Those numbers are truly amazing, he got the feel back very quickly and instantly starting putting 20's and 30's across the board. He has literally put these Sonics on his back, and have played fairly well since his return.

 

And just to make it completely clear, Corey Maggette is a Small Forward.

And Sprewell can play either guard position of the small forward, as well.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting HoustonHoopa33:</div><div class="quote_post">Cassell, Andre Miller, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Richardson, Michael Finley...there are a lotta potential All-Stars at guard in the West...you could probably make cases for Mike Bibby and Steve Nash as well...bottom line is, to be selected by coaches, you have to be an MVP of your respected team, plus your team has to be winning, or respectable...to be selected by fans, all you have to do is have your name out there and be on ESPN every nite...Ray has the best chance to be selected by the fans (his team is mediocre), but that wont happen with Bryant and Francis around...</div>

I forgot about J-Rich, he's definitely one who is having an All-Star calibre year. Finley on the other hand I don't think will make it, he's been on the decline a bit and Josh Howard has emerged in that team.

Mediocre? 22-20 in the West isn't mediocre in any terms.

 

Hmm. Jason Richardson can definitely bring out the "oooohs" and "aaaahs" from the audience, seeing as he has become pretty well known for his flashy dunks.

Then again, on that token, Desmond Mason would make it in the East, too, but that probably won't be happening.

Michael Finley has been on fire over Dallas' recent win streak, as well. No game under 23 points...

 

Well from what I remember from the last voting update, Francis and Kobe were set to be the starting guards. After that comes Cassell, and assuming the West could take one more, I would have to take Ray Allen. After that, names like Finley, and Spree come to mind.

After that I guess you can throw out names like Richardson and J-Rich. Q is a deadly scorer, but his rebounds have slipped a bit. J-Rich has been playing really well lately, but then again, picking more than 3 guards is a huge stretch.

 

Especially in the West, which is a place where you can especially fill your roster with forwards and centers.

Players like Shaq, Duncan, Garnett, Brand, Maggette, Rashard Lewis, Stojakovic, Marion, Yao, Camby, Brad Miller, Pau Gasol and Nowitzki come to mind.

Of course, players like Shaq tend to be injured...

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Crossover:</div><div class="quote_post">Especially in the West, which is a place where you can especially fill your roster with forwards and centers.

Players like Shaq, Duncan, Garnett, Brand, Maggette, Rashard Lewis, Stojakovic, Marion, Yao, Camby, Brad Miller, Pau Gasol and Nowitzki come to mind.

Of course, players like Shaq tend to be injured...</div>

Had be going until you mentioned Camby. Sure, he's been playing well lately, but is not All-Star calibur. I don't want to see Shaq play in this game, he's been acting like a punk lately, if you can't play for your team, don't come and play for the All-Star game. I rather see someone like Dampier in there, he deserves it.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple N Gold:</div><div class="quote_post">Had be going until you mentioned Camby. Sure, he's been playing well lately, but is not All-Star calibur. I don't want to see Shaq play in this game, he's been acting like a punk lately, if you can't play for your team, don't come and play for the All-Star game. I rather see someone like Dampier in there, he deserves it.</div>

Some people have been consider Andre Miller. I would love Brad Miller in the game, he's a really great player. Hardworker, not too flashy, kind of a simple, yet powerful and effective game. As for Ray Allen, he definitely fits the cut. Probably one of the best offensive forces in the NBA. He was able to get back on his feet quickly, poor Butler, Wade and Wagner are still struggling. Anyone with that much tenacity and recovery is bound to be there. Plus put simply, "Jesus" just rocks.

 

He's a great player, but he's only played 17 games. I really feel that that's not enough at all. He's been playing outstanding latley, he dropped 41 last night, but 17 games...cant do it. I would say a player needs at least 32-35 by All Star break.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple N Gold:</div><div class="quote_post">Had be going until you mentioned Camby. Sure, he's been playing well lately, but is not All-Star calibur. I don't want to see Shaq play in this game, he's been acting like a punk lately, if you can't play for your team, don't come and play for the All-Star game. I rather see someone like Dampier in there, he deserves it.</div>

What? Camby puts up numbers to match Dampier most nights.

Dampier: 11.7 ppg, 11.40 rpg, 1.56 bpg
Camby: 8.0 ppg, 8.20 rpg, 2.25 bpg

But that's just for the season. Check out the last 5 games for each.

Marcus Camby
16 points, 17 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal
8 points, 19 rebounds, 3 blocks, 1 steal
12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
22 points, 18 rebounds, 6 blocks
12 points, 15 rebounds, 3 blocks

Erick Dampier
19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
18 points, 24 rebounds, 2 blocks
17 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks
4 points, 3 rebounds
18 points, 20 rebounds, 1 block

Both are good, no denying that. But personally, I feel Camby is more worthy of the trip to LA than is Dampier. But just consider this - he's one less guy to worry about getting shot attempts.

 

You are going to ignore season stats and say that Camby and Dampier are equal simply because of the Last 5 games?

 

One would think Shaq, Yao and Brad Miller will be going to the ASG anyway. Three centres is enough , especially with guys like Duncan recognised as a forward. What will be interesting is if Shaq doesn't get the votes, will coaches vote him in?