Well now that Webber is injured and out for three weeks, I expect Karl Malone to get the nod, COMPLAIN about not getting time to rest, and then at night, cry a single tear of joy, running down his cheeks to praise the mighty man upstairs or downstairs. Whatever floats his boat.
They may put the Little Mermaid in, kind of like a 'farwell tour'. Otherwise I'd put my money on Brand, then Malone, and finally (least likely) Stoudamire. The Rookie game needs some talent in it. I don't think the NBA could handle having Yao Ming and Stoudamire miss out on the Rookie game.
No way Amare makes it over Brand. This shouldnt even be an issue. Brand has better numbers in the following categories: Points Rebounds Assists Steals Blocks FG% FT%
Of course Brand is better, and he should be there. But considering the Jazz are playoff bound so far, and doesn't have one member to represent them might influence decisions.
I was actually kind of suprised that Malone didnt make the team to begin with. While he may not be as good as Brand he will make it on past achievements (like Jordan) He is still putting up good numbers and has been playing very well as of late.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) _ Karl Malone would be flattered if he received a 15th All-Star invitation, but not enough to accept it. ``I'd say, 'Thanks but no thanks,' '' he explained said after scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a 95-71 win over Portland on Wednesday night. ``I've made plans with my family.'' Malone wasn't voted a starter and was left off the list of reserves announced Tuesday. He responded with 29 points and 10 rebounds in a win over the Kings that night, but insisted it had nothing to do with an All-Star snubbing. There is an opening on the West team because Sacramento's Chris Webber can't play in the game next weekend in Atlanta. Webber sprained an ankle against the Jazz on Tuesday night. Malone would be a sentimental favorite to take Webber's spot, but at 39 he'd rather just take the time off and relax. He leads the Jazz with averages of 19.7 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Malone take himself out of the running. That leaves Brand, Jamison and Finley. Dallas has 2 in already, that eliminates Finley. Last year the LAC were the "future" of the L and Brand was selected. This year the LAC are a total flop, while GSW surprises by being competitive.....that eliminates Brand and gets Jamison to the all-star game.
