Considering the choices for centers in the wild wild West I don't think it's too far-fetched.... O'Neal (first team for sure) Robinson (too old, not great stats, maybe backup) Divac (Don't like him, never have) other than these guys and Ming the rest just make up the numbers.... So the NBA better start fixing the ballots if they want ratings like those when number 23 owned the all-star 2-guard spot.
Ming will definitely be a coach decision. He's unselfish, charming, and really is proving himself. Besides, I'm sure David Stern is "clearing his throat" when Ming is mention for the all-star game, dreaming of the billions of dollars he can cash in.
Yao will start over Shaq. Fair or not, earned or not, Yao's popularity on a global scale is more than probably anyone else in the entire NBA. I don't have that much doubt that he'll be the fans choice at center.
I will have agree with The Cat on this one. All-Star starters are voted by fans only. Shaq doesn't stand a chance against Ming. Who else are the 1.3 billion Chinese (I mean 70 million Chinese net surfers) going to vote? If the rest of the rockets start (and keep) giving Ming the ball, the fans might vote the entire Rockets starting lineup to the All-Star start team. That would be funny.
I think that if anyone besides Ming or Steve got voted in the starting lineup due to the Chinese vote factor, that the NBA will change the process so as to dilute the Chinese internet voting strength. I agree it would be hilarious if the entire starting 5 were made up of Rockets. Hell, even 3 would be shocking to see.
What are u even discusing this for Ming is a shoe in for starters. The fans make the decision not the coaches or anyone else thats why Grant Hill was selected without even playing last year and the year before.
Injuries notwithstanding, Yao has been the best center in the league this year, period. He deserves the nod and the vote.
