Heat vs. Thunder - Who will be the 2012 NBA Champs?

ESPN experts gave their 5-on-5 preview of who they believe will be champions at the end of 2012 season. Click here for their preview. I wouldn't call myself an expert, but here are my two cents on the same 5-on-5 topic. 

1. The most important player in the Finals is _____________. 

LeBron James. All 5 ESPN analysts consider LeBron to be the most important player in the Finals and I couldn't agree more. Not that this is LeBron's make it or break it moment, but in more ways than others, it's time for him to win now or reconsider a lot of decisions he and the Heat have made over the past year. Whether he likes it or not, there is a lot on his shoulders and how he responds to this pressure will determine the direction of his legacy. All of the praise/blame will go to LeBron depending on how successful the Heat are.

2. The most important matchup in the Finals is _____________. 

The Heat's role players versus the Thunder's role players. It's obvious how important the matchup of James and Durant is, along with Wade and Westbrook, but assuming that James/Wade and Durant/Westbrook play to their potentials, a lot of what tilts the favor to a certain team will be how everyone else plays. Especially how well Bosh and Harden play for their respective teams, considering their positions as third scoring options. Also, if Chalmers, Battier, and Haslem can contribute, the Heat will be a tough team to beat. Likewise, if Ibaka, Perkins, and Sefolosha can contribute some offensive along with their great defense, the Thunder will be very hard to beat. 

3. The most important X factor in the Finals is _____________. 

Chris Bosh. It was obvious how much the Heat missed him during their matchup with the Celtics and it was proven how important he could be, especially in game 7. He kept the Celtics defense honest, especially being able to hit from beyond the arc, so if Bosh can continue to score and grab some rebounds, he can really be the difference maker for the Heat. 

4. The first sign you'll be looking for in the Finals will be _____________. 

How aggressive Dwyane Wade starts out. There's no question that LeBron needs to come out of the gates swinging, so it'll be interesting to see how Wade starts the series considering his subpar performance against the Celtics. With the Thunder having the better "team," how Wade plays will be very important for the success of the Heat. But watching how the young Thunder respond to the pressure of the finals will also be of something to note. 

5. The winner of the Larry O'Brien Trophy will be _____________. 

The Miami Heat. It's really tough to outright say which team will win, but I'm going with the Heat on this one, due mainly to the fact that LeBron James needs to win it now. I'm not saying he won't ever get a chance at a championship again, but it might be the last time he does with this squad. If LeBron wants to be considered the best, he needs to win titles. Simple as that.

ESPN 5-on-5: Court Vision Edition (Point Guards)

I've really been enjoying ESPN's TrueHoop Network's segments called 5-on-5. It's a segment where ESPN writers and basketball minds answer 5 questions on 5 hot NBA topics. Here at Court Vision, I would like to do my own rendition of TrueHoop's 5-on-5 (since my thoughts on basketball are so insightful...)


1. Who's the best point guard in the NBA today?
Every part of me tells me to say Chris Paul, but I can't seem to let go of Derrick Rose. He is the reigning MVP (deservedly so) and he led his team to the best record in the NBA (2010-2011). He's been getting better every year and until Chris Paul can bring his team back into the hunt for a NBA title, I'll have Derrick Rose over Chris Paul (but only by a tiny, almost invisible margin).

2. Who's the most underrated point guard in the NBA?
There are a lot of young guards I feel are better than they are known for like Mike Conley Jr. and Kyle Lowry, but the most underrated imo is Stephen Curry. Known as a shooter, he shot the ball very well at 48% this past season and hit over 90% of his free throws. He also averaged 1.5 steals a game, which means he's no slouch on the defensive end. He's still young, so he has plenty of time to develop his on-court leadership and passing ability to bring him in the conversation as one of the top young pg's in the game.

3. Who's the most overrated point guard in the NBA?
He was once considered one of the best not to long ago, but Rajon Rondo has dropped pretty far down from where he was. He's wonderful on the defensive end and can dish the ball with the best of them, but he still shoots horribly from the free throw line and he can't seem to develop a consistent jumper. He's not a bad point guard, but not as good as most fans believe.

4. Who's the most promising point guard in the NBA?
John Wall. Lightning fast, gifted athletically, and only 20 years old. He has all the makings of a great point guard and he has what it takes to be great in the NBA. Not only is he a threatening scorer, but he showed promise in his ability to find open team mates too. Just like every young player, his decision making needs work, but that should eventually come with experience. Give him a year or two and he'll be one of the top point guards in the league.

5. Who's the best point guard of all time?
There are so many greats, but I have to go with Magic Johnson on this one: a 6'8 point guard who could score, rebound, and dish the ball. what more could you ask for? He had everything you wanted in a point guard and there will probably never be another player like him (sorry LeBron, not quite there yet). Not to mention, he's a Hall of Famer, 5-time NBA Champion, and 3-time NBA MVP. Do I really need to convince you?

ESPN 5-on-5: Court Vision Edition (Shooting Guards)

Continuing on with the last post on point guards, today's insightful 5-on-5 will be on shooting guards. Here we go!
1. Who's the best shooting guard in the NBA today?If you asked me who the best shooting guard was in the past 10 years, I would have to say Kobe Bryant, but today, it's Dwyane Wade. Kobe isn't the same Kobe from a couple years back and age + injury is finally taking its toll. Kobe and Wade are two of the scariest offensive forces on the court, but where Wade has the edge on Kobe is on the defensive end. The question I like to ask myself is, "If I were a GM and I had to choose Kobe or Wade for my team, who would I choose?" I'd have to say Dwyane Wade.

2. Who's the most underrated shooting guard in the NBA?
It's not that Manu Ginobli is underrated, but that we seem to forget how good he really is. He is a 3-time NBA Champion and currently the best player on the San Antonio Spurs. He can shoot the ball, penetrate inside the paint, and defend. Not to mention, he's on the list of scrappiest and toughest NBA players to ever play the game.

3. Who's the most overrated shooting guard in the NBA?
$119 million in 6 years. That contract automatically puts Joe Johnson as the most overrated shooting guard in the NBA. He'll never be able to live up to a contract like that, unless he brings a championship to Atlanta. Johnson is a solid and consistent player, but he's also consistently under performed in the playoffs.

4. Who's the most promising shooting guard in the NBA?
Eric Gordon. He is as complete as they come when it comes to the shooting guard position. He can penetrate and get to the line, shoot from long range, and play defense. He came off an injury plagued season, but during the games he played, he produced quite nicely (22.3 PTS, 2.9 REB, 4.4 AST). He's still very young and has plenty of upside, especially playing along side Blake Griffin.

5. Who's the best shooting guard of all time?
Kobe Bryant...just kidding. It is and always will be Michael Jordan.

Top 5 Facial Dunks in the Conference Finals

Top 5 Facial Dunks in the Conference Finals thus far...

#5 Udonis Haslem on Keith Bogans
The old man still has some bounce left in his step. Just ask Keith Bogans for confirmation.


#4 Chris Bosh on Carlos Boozer
Chris Bosh just Boshin' it on Carlos Boozer!


#3 Taj Gibson on Omer Asik
Taj Gibson with no regard for human life, even dunking it on his own team mate!


#2 Taj Gibson on Dwyane Wade
Look up posterize in the dictionary and they'll give you a link to this Youtube video.


#1 Kevin Durant on Brendan Haywood
The Durantula doing it straight filthy on Brendan Haywood.

Mid Post-Season Awards

Derrick Rose has been crowned MVP of the regular season and Blake Griffin has been unanimously voted Rookie of the Year. This years batch of season award holders definitely earned their titles, but who deserves these accolades in the playoffs? I would like to do my own rendition of the regular season awards, but for the post season thus far. Here we go!


Most Improved Player
Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks
In the 1st round of the playoffs, Jeff Teague played a total of 9 minutes and 25 second but in the second round, he has averaged 40+ mpg. This is largely due in part to Kirk Hinrich's hamstring injury, but Teague has given the Hawks more than was expected with his spot in the starting line-up. Teague shot 20% in the 1st round but drastically improved his shooting in the 2nd round to 52%, averaging about 16 ppg. With Hinrich's injury coming at the most inopportune time when the Hawks needed his perimeter defense on Derrick Rose, Jeff Teague has held his own against the reigning MVP.

Rookie
Naturally in the playoffs, not many rookies are noticed, mostly due to lack of playing time and playoff experience, so I won't name any "Rookie of the Post Season." Instead, I'll just add this clip of this year's ROY, Blake Griffin. Enjoy.


Sixth Man
Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks
Had to go with Jason Terry over Jamal Crawford on this one because of how well the Mavericks have been playing in the playoffs. Jason Terry is a Sixth Man of the Year candidate every year and that is because he plays the part so well. During the playoffs he has been averaging 18.3 ppg at 52.4% shooting. This is what you call instant and efficient offense off the bench. He played a big part in the sweep of the two-time defending champs, and tied a play-off record nine 3-pointers in Game 4 against the Lakers.


Defensive Player
Tyson Chandler, Dallas Mavericks
Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, and Tony Allen have been terrific defensively for their teams, but this pick goes to Tyson Chandler, largely because of his teams success in the playoffs. Chandler isn't getting 10+ rebounds or 4+ blocks a game, but his presence out in the paint is sure making a difference. The anchor and voice of the team's defense, he is like the Kevin Garnett of the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have only allowed their opponents 88.2 ppg in the playoffs and that ranks them as one of the top defensive teams in the playoffs. Not only has he allowed his team to play better defense, he himself has played solid defense against some of the best bigs in the conference.

Coach
Lionel Hollins, Memphis Grizzlies
There has arguably not been a better coach in the post season than Lionel Hollins. He has led his Memphis Grizzlies to a stunning victory over the #1 ranked San Antonio Spurs and is doing a tremendous job of guiding his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Definitely one of the biggest surprises in the playoffs this year, this scrappy Grizzlies team has played very well, and much credit goes to Lionel Hollins. Not many people expected the Memphis Grizzlies to make a run for the title, but if they continue to succeed, the title may be up for grabs. It'll be up to Hollins' to continue to motivate and lead his team to victory over Scott Brooks and the Thunder.

MVP
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade have been great and Zach Randolph has played terrificly, but the MVP nod goes to Dirk Nowitzki. Leading his team to victories over the Portland Trailblazers and 2-time defending Champs, Los Angeles Lakers, Dirk has been playing some of the best basketball of his career. During the playoffs he is averaging 26.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg, which are both better than his regular season averages. Not to mention he has been quite efficient shooting about 90% from the charity stripe, 60% from beyond the arc and nearly 50% from the field. He has also been as clutch as they come shooting 50% and averaging 8.9 points in the 4th quarter. He is a perfect 4-4 from 3-point range in the 4th and he's hit quite a few daggers during the playoffs. He led his team to a 4-2 victory over Portland and a convincing sweep against Los Angeles. Check out some of the damage he did to the Lakers.

All-Star Weekend Predictions

All-Star Weekend is only a few days away and I am definitely excited for this years festivities. The 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest will be especially fun to watch, but the main event of the weekend will be the All-Star Game on Sunday night. Here are my predictions for how things will go down this weekend!

T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam
Rookie Team
Eric Bledsoe, L.A. Clippers
DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento
Derrick Favors, New Jersey
Landry Fields, New York
Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers
Wesley Johnson, Minnesota
Greg Monroe, Detroit
Gary Neal, San Antonio
John Wall, Washington

Sophomore Team
DeJuan Blair, San Antonio
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto
Stephen Curry, Golden State
Tyreke Evans, Sacramento
Taj Gibson, Chicago
Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City
Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee
Wesley Matthews, Portland

Winner: Sophomores
I have to give this win to the Sophomores. They have a lot more starters on their team, which means experience will be their advantage. Not to mention, it was this group of Sophomore players, as Rookies, who beat out last years Sophomores in this same challenge. The Rookie team with John Wall and Blake Griffin is intriguing, but I believe the Sophomores have a better team overall. The battle of the bigs will definitely be fun to watch, but look for the Sophomore guards to do lots of damage in the paint and on the perimeter. I predict Blake Griffin to get a record-setting amount of dunks for the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and possibly win the MVP award. The award is usually given to a player on the winning team, but Blake will be deserving of it by the end of the night.

Haier Shooting Stars
Team Atlanta: Al Horford (Hawks), Coco Miller (WNBA's Atlanta Dream), Steve Smith (Legend)
Team Chicago: Taj Gibson (Bulls), Cathrine Kraayveld (WNBA's Chicago Sky), Steve Kerr (Legend)
Team Los Angeles: Pau Gasol (Lakers), Tina Thompson (WNBA's L.A. Sparks), Rick Fox (Legend)
Team Texas: Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks), Roneeka Hodges (WNBA's S.A. Silver Stars), Kenny Smith (Legend)

Winner: Team Los Angeles
Last year, Team Texas beat out Team Los Angeles in the finals of this challenge, and I believe home court advantage had a lot to do with it. This year, Team Los Angeles will have home court and they'll want redemption for last year's loss. Team L.A. really has all the components needed to win this challenge. Steve Smith and Steve Kerr are formidable shooters, but I see Team Los Angeles and Team Texas meeting again in the final, with Rick Fox hitting the half-court shot for the win!

Taco Bell Skills Challenge
Participants
Chris Paul, New Orleans
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Baron Davis, Los Angeles Clippers
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (2009 Champion)
Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
John Wall, Washington Wizards
Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Winner: Chris Paul, New Orleans
The 4 participants who will be participating in this challenge with Chris Paul will be announced this coming Thursday (2/17) on TNT, but regardless I feel none of the competitors can really match up to Chris Paul's point guard abilities. For the Skills Challenge you need quickness, shooting ability, and passing ability. Looking at all those guards, Chris Paul seems to fit the bill perfectly. I see Westbrook and Rose as serious contenders, but I'll have to give the win to Paul.

Foot Locker 3-Point Contest
Participants
Ray Allen, Boston
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
Daniel Gibson, Cleveland
James Jones, Miami
Paul Pierce, Boston
Dorell Wright, Golden State

Winner: Ray Allen, Boston
Arguably one of the best shooters of all time, could this years 3-Point Contest go to anyone but Ray Allen? Allen has broken Reggie Miller's all-time record for 3-pointers made in a career this past week and winning this contest will just be icing on the cake. There are some formidable opponents this year with defending champion Paul Pierce, most improved player candidate Dorell Wright, and the Durantula, but I see none of them beating out Ray Allen for the win. I'm hoping Ray Allen breaks the record for most shots made in the 3-Point Contest too!

Sprite Slam Dunk Contest
Participants
DeMar DeRozan, Toronto
Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City
JaVale McGee, Washington

Winner: Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers
When Blake Griffin was announced to be in this years Slam Dunk Contest, was there any question as to who would win the dunk crown? Last years Dunk Contest was not worth remembering, but I believe the excitement and energy will be rejuvenated with this years contest. Griffin will definitely win the crown, but I see DeMar DeRozan giving it one helluva' shot trying to beat out Griffin for the title.

2011 NBA All-Star Game
West Starters
Chris Paul, New Orleans
Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
Carmelo Anthony, Denver
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
Yao Ming, Houston (will be replaced by a starter of Gregg Popovich's choosing)
West Reserves
Manu Ginobli, San Antonio
Deron Williams, Utah
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Tim Duncan, San Antonio
Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
Kevin Love, Minnesota (replaced Yao Ming on the West All-Star Team)

East Starters
Derrick Rose, Chicago
Dwyane Wade, Miami
LeBron James, Miami
Amar'e Stoudemire, New York
Dwight Howard, Orlando
East Reserves
Ray Allen, Boston
Joe Johnson, Atlanta
Rajon Rondo, Boston
Chris Bosh, Miami
Kevin Garnett, Boston
Paul Pierce, Boston
Al Horford, Atlanta

Winner: The East
Last year the two teams duked it out in a close one with the East coming out on top. Dwyane Wade had a stellar performance notching his first ever All-Star MVP award. This year, I believe the East will be on top once again. Their starting 5 is unmatchable. Although the West has a better 13-man roster, the starting 5 of the East is more than enough to win this game. An interesting point to bring up is that last year, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh accounted for over half of the East's points, rebounds, assists, and steals! I wonder if that was a sign of things to come this year? Not if Derrick Rose has anything to say about it. I believe this is Derrick Rose's year to win the All-Star Game MVP Award. It might be a long-shot prediction, but I believe Rose will have an amazing game.

So do you guys agree/disagree with my predictions? Please leave a comment below! Thanks for reading guys.

2011 All-Star Game Reserves

The All-Star Game starters have been announced! Good job NBA fans on voting the East All-Stars...But I can't say the same for who the fans voted in to the West All-Star Team. I mean come on, Yao Ming?!

Here are your starters for the All-Star Game:

West All-Stars	East All-Stars
Chris Paul	Derrick Rose
Kobe Bryant	Dwyane Wade
Kevin Durant	LeBron James
Carmelo Anthony	Amare Stoudemire
Yao Ming	Dwight Howard

The All-Star Reserves will be announced this Thursday, February 3, 2011, on TNT at 4:00 PM (PST)! As I did for the All-Star Game Starters, I will be giving my personal picks for the All-Star Game Reserves. Here they are!

WEST RESERVES
Guards
Deron Williams, Utah (29-20)
21.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 9.4 apg, 1.2 spg, 0.2 bpg
The Utah Jazz have been in quite a slump these days, but Deron Williams is not entirely to blame. He has been playing tremendously so far this season and is still a top point guard in the league. Not only has he dished the ball and set up team mates, but he has taken on a large part of the offensive responsibility for his team. There is no doubt in my mind he deserves a spot on this team.

Manu Ginobili, San Antonio (40-7)
18.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.8 spg, 0.4 bpg
As Charles Barkely would say..."GIIIINNNNOOOBBLLIIII!!!!" Manu Ginobli has been the best player on the best team in the league. The San Antonio Spurs are on top of the NBA totem pole, and that is due largely in part to the spectacular play of Ginobli. He's scoring, defending, and pulling through in the clutch. The only thing he isn't doing for his team is playing badly. Tim Duncan is still the face of the Spurs, but this is now Manu's team. This isn't a knock on TD, but a praise of how well Ginobli has been playing. 110% sure he belongs on this team.

Forwards
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas (32-15)
23.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.7 bpg
Dirk has been one of my favorite players for years now and here's why. He has consistently performed at a high level and consistently led his team to wins. He was an early MVP candidate this year before going down with his injury, but there's no question he belongs on this reserve squad. He's averaging a career high 52% from the field and that's ridiculous considering Dirk does most of his work away from the basket.

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers (19-28)
22.6 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.6 bpg
His team isn't as good as he is, but I won't dock points off him for that. He's just that good and that fun to watch. Normally, I would rather have the player who's on a winning team make the All-Star team, but have you guys seen this kid play? He's the real deal, averaging 22+ points and 12+ rebounds, becoming the first rookie to do so since Shaq and David Robinson. He's already a lock for the Rookie of the Year award, and he's definitely earned his way onto this All-Star reserve team.

Center (NBA commissioner David Stern will choose an injury replacement for starter Yao Ming, thus there are two picks at center)
Pau Gasol, Los Angeles (33-15)
18.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.9 bpg
Pau Gasol isn't listed as a center on the All-Star ballot, but I believe he will be the starter to replace Yao Ming on the All-Star Team. He hasn't played well as of late, but he's the key to the Lakers being a top team in the NBA. Even with the Lakers in a mini slump, they are on top of the West and even the NBA. He's still doing it all across the board averaging a double double and blocking shots like it's nobody's business. He deserves a place on this reserve squad with out a doubt.

Tim Duncan, San Antonio (40-7)
13.6 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.1 apg, 0.7 spg, 2.0 bpg
Duncan is not listed as a center on the All-Star ballot, but he pretty much plays like a center. The center spot is thin in the West, so why not reward Timmy for his team being number one in the league. I like how Chris Webber and Kevin McHale put it last week. Tim Duncan makes this squad because of the Life Time Achievement Award. He's just done too much over the course of his career not to make this reserve team. He's not averaging the numbers he used to, but he's still the anchor on defense for the best team in the NBA.

Wild Cards
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City (30-17)
22.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 8.5 apg, 1.9 spg, 0.5 bpg
When Kevin Durant and the Thunder were sinking earlier in the season, it was Russell Westbrook who kept them afloat. He was playing out of his mind and really stepped up when Durant was struggling to find his game. Westbrook is averaging career highs in most statistical categories and helping the Thunder to be the 4th best team in the West so far. He's been contributing on all areas of the floor and there aren't many point guards playing as well as he is throughout the league. He's earned a spot on this reserve team.

Kevin Love, Minnesota (11-36)
21.6 ppg, 15.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 0.6 spg, 0.4 bpg
It seems unconventional to put Kevin Love on this team considering he's the best player on the worst team in the West and 2nd worst team in the NBA. But you just can't ignore how well he's been playing. Everyone remembers that remarkable 31 point, 31 rebound game against the Knicks he had, being the 1st player to do so since Moses Malone did it in the early 1980s. Love is also averaging an impressive 44.5% from 3 point range. Say what you will about his teams record, but I have to give Love this spot for his amazing year thus far.

Honorable Mention
Monta Ellis (Golden State), LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland), Nene (Denver)

EAST RESERVES
Guards
Raymond Felton, New York (25-22)
17.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 8.9 ast, 1.9 spg, bpg 0.2
Most improved player of the year candidate? Yes! Signing with New York along with Amare Stoudemire has been great for Felton. He's averaging career highs in points and assists and he's also been a key reason the Knicks are at 6th in the East. That's a lot better then they were a year ago. Heck, that's a lot better then they have been for the past 5+ years. There aren't many guards playing as well as he has in the East and he definitely deserves a spot on this reserves list.

Rajon Rondo, Boston (36-11)
10.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 12.6 apg, 2.4 spg, 0.2 bpg
Before being injured, Rondo was looking like the starting point guard for the All-Star Team, but he'll be playing in Los Angeles regardless. He's leading the league in assists and 2nd in steals, getting 12.6 APG and 2.4 SPG respectively. He's definitely one of the better point guards in the league and on the best team in the East. That qualifies for a reserve spot in my opinion.

Forwards
Paul Pierce, Boston (36-11)
19.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.6 bpg
He's been the best player on the best team in the East so far this season and he deserves this spot more than any other forward. At age 33, he's still playing at a high level and putting up very solid numbers. While the Celtics are known for defense, Pierce is the man who brings the offense to this team. That rewards him a reserve spot in my book.

Chris Bosh, Miami (34-14)
18.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.7 bpg
The third option on his team and still averaging 18.9 points and 8.3 rebounds. That sounds All-Star worthy to me. Add in the fact that he's on one of the best teams in the NBA and it solidifies his spot on this All-Star Team. Bosh has been playing very well (before his injury) and has really begun to fit into his role nicely on this team.

Center
Al Horford, Atlanta (30-18)
16.2 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 3.5 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.1 bpg
He's arguably been the best center in the NBA behind Dwight Howard and he's averaging career bests in fg%, ft%, assists, steals, and points so far this season. The Hawks have been pretty mediocre thus far, but Horford's play has been anything but that. He's been contributing on all areas of the floor and has really looked like the Hawks' best player at times.

Wild-Cards
Ray Allen, Boston (36-11)
17.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.1 bpg
It was either going to be Ray Allen or Joe Johnson at this spot and I just had to give it to Ray Allen for being on the best team in the East. I have officially jumped on the Boston Celtic bandwagon. Allen has been playing very well this season averaging career highs in FG% at 50.5% and 3-point range at 45.4%. He's the 2nd leading scorer on the Celtics and an important part of the foundation to the best team in the East.

Kevin Garnett, Minnesota (36-11)
15.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.6 spg, 0.7 bpg
As I said earlier about Tim Duncan, his numbers may not do him justice, but his team does. Garnett is a crucial part of the Celtics and the key to their defense. His presence on the floor is what is helping this Celtics team to be the top team in the East. KG gets the Life Time Achievement Award nod over anyone else that may deserve to be on this reserve squad.

Honorable Mention
Joe Johnson (Atlanta), Josh Smith (Atlanta), Carlos Boozer (Chicago)