The Best of the NBA's "Other Dudes" Fri, Jan 5th 2007 - Author: Fred Villarruel When East meets West in Las Vegas on February 18th for this year's NBA All-Star game, you'll see all the typical big names. Without a doubt, you'll have your LeBrons, D-Wades, Yaos, and Carmelos. The problem is that All-Star voting is no different than voting for homecoming queen. They are essentially popularity contests and those that are chosen simply have the greatest name recognition. Players who have had strong years in the past have their invitations essentially etched in stone. Frankly, it'll be a shock if Grant Hill isn't invited for the n'th time. While it's always nice to see a rematch of last year's All-Star game, Sportsgamer presents some of the players who have truly had All-Star caliber seasons thus far... #23 Kevin Martin | SG Sacramento Kings: Martin has improved greatly this season and is leading the Kings in scoring with 21.2 ppg. His stats are up across the board and he's shooting 50% from the field, an impressive feat for any two-guard. Besides, sporting a high-top fade is technically "old-school" nowadays. #50 Zach Randolph | PF Portland Trailblazers Randolph has been a monster this season. He's averaging over 24 points and 10 rebounds a game so far and has been one of the few bright spots for Portland this season. He's putting up Karl Malone type numbers from the power forward position. #5 Josh Howard | GF Dallas Mavericks Howard has improved every year he's been in the league and this year is no different. His minutes are up and so is his scoring (19.3 ppg). He could be the Pippen that All-Star Dirk Nowitzki needs to carry the Mavericks all the way. #5 Carlos Boozer | FC Utah Jazz It looks like this transaction is finally paying off for the Jazz. Boozer and PG Deron Williams have really turned this Jazz team around and their Stockton/Malone impression has started to convince people outside of Salt Lake City. Boozer is averaging over 21 points and 11 rebounds per game. #9 Luol Deng | GF Chicago Bulls Many fans in Chicago expected a breakout season from Deng and he's delivering. He's arguably more important to the team's success than scoring prodigy Ben Gordon. Deng's all around game has improved and his scoring is up at 18.1 ppg. He's a great outside shooter and has the interior skills to buy trips the line, something the Bulls have lacked. #8 Deron Williams | PG Utah Jazz We haven't seen a Utah Jazz point guard in the All-Star game since John Stockton. That could change this year if Deron Williams makes the team. The Jazz are 23-9 and a big reason is because of Williams being the floor general. He's averaging over 16 points and 8 assists. http://www.sportsgamer.com/content/355/the-best-of-the-nbas-other-dudes/ --

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