Now that the fans have had their say, it's the coaches' turn to make controversial All-Star picks. I'm certainly not an NBA coach, but if I were, these are the people I'd pick to represent the Eastern Conference:
Joe Johnson
This pick speaks for itself. The Hawks have been better than expected (29-14, first in Southeast Division) and Johnson is leading the team in points (21.1) and assists (4.9).
Chris Bosh
In the East, having an above-.500 record means something. Bosh has helped Toronto do that with his averages of 24 and 11. It's a real shame that he won't be there after this season.
Gerald Wallace
For the first time in their existence, the Bobcats are winning games. Stephen Jackson deserves some credit here as well, but Wallace will get the All-Star nod. A small forward in the top 10 rebounders is no small feat.
Rajon Rondo
Rondo talking smack to Chris Paul earlier in the season was ridiculous, seeing that he plays with three guys who have a shot at being Hall-of-Famers. An All-Star selection would bolster his case, but it would still be really ridiculous to suggest he's in the neighborhood of the league's elite point guards. In the West, Rondo might be the fifth or sixth best lead guard. Good thing he plays in Boston.
David Lee
It's rare that you find a 20/10 big man in the league anymore. Lee isn't quite either of those things, but he's pretty close. It's possible that the Knicks' style of play has inflated his stats. It doesn't help that the Knicks are a below-average team. But honestly, didn't you think they'd be worse?
Derrick Rose
This could have been Paul Pierce's spot, but I didn't feel the Celtics were impressive enough to have three All-Stars. Rose's stats are very comparable to Pierce's and Rose is asked to do more because he's playing with less. I must also admit that Rose's embarrassment of Goran Dragic didn't hurt.
Josh Smith
This could have been Al Horford. But Smith has paid his dues and deserves to get some attention on the big stage. Also, I'd like him to swat someone's lazy layup attempt into the cheap seats.
What do you think? Who would you put in the game? Let us know in the comments.