[Chron] Rockets' two diamonds in the rough make All-Stars

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Rockets' two diamonds in the rough make All-Stars


By MOISEKAPENDA BOWER
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

Even with the Rockets' injury issues and their substandard record, there never was any doubt Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming would start in the 55th NBA All-Star Game.

The formality of tabulating the results of fan voting was completed and the results were as expected: McGrady and Yao will start for the Western Conference at Toyota Center on Feb. 19. The lack of shock from such news didn't make the news any less anticipated.

"Any time you are voted in as a starter for the All-Star Game it is an honor," McGrady said after learning of his sixth selection and fifth starting assignment Thursday. "Every All-Star Game is special, and there's always so much going on during that week in the city with celebrities that you just can't help but be excited for the city and our fans. The fact that it is being held here in Houston makes it even that much more special to me.

"It's an honor to get to represent Houston. It never gets old — no matter how many times you are selected. For the most part, I've always been voted in by the fans and that means a lot to me because it shows that they appreciate what I do on and off the court."

McGrady, a forward, and Yao, making his fourth start at center, will be joined by San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, who will make his eighth appearance. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, making his eighth consecutive appearance, and Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, in his fourth All-Star Game, will make up the West backcourt.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson (seventh consecutive appearance) and Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (second selection) will start in the East backcourt. Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (second selection), Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal (fifth) and Heat center Shaquille O'Neal (13th) also will start.


Replacement upcoming
NBA commissioner David Stern will select a replacement for Jermaine O'Neal, who will be sidelined until late March with a severely torn left groin.

Yao was the leading vote getter for the second consecutive season. His 2,342,738 votes edged Bryant's by 71,107 in the closest vote since Vince Carter topped Alonzo Mourning by 33,385 votes in 2000.

Yao, like McGrady, relishes the opportunity to perform with the league's greatest players in front of his ardent supporters.

"Of course, there is a lot of fan support for us here," Yao said. "It's good for them to have the chance to see an All-Star Game. I am honored to know that the fans have those feelings for me.

"This will be my fourth All-Star Game, and I am looking forward to playing in front of our Rockets fans. Every year that I have made the All-Star team I have had a Rockets teammate with me, and I am happy to know that I will be there with Tracy again this year."

McGrady (knee, back) and Yao (toe) have missed a combined 34 games. It is clear that, had both been healthy, the Rockets (16-29) would not occupy the Western Conference cellar.

That McGrady and Yao earned the fans' vote despite their health concerns speaks to their popularity, but their numbers — McGrady is averaging 26.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and five assists per game; Yao is posting 19.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game — would have warranted selection as reserves even by NBA coaches.


Nod to coaches
In the opinion of Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy, earning such recognition is far more flattering than the fan vote.

"If it was me, being chosen by the fans would not be nearly as significant as being chosen by the coaches," Van Gundy said. "Now players may look at that differently, I don't know, but if I was a player — because there are so many very good ones — I really do believe being chosen by the coaches is a great honor."

Detroit's Flip Saunders will coach the East and Dallas' Avery Johnson will coach the West. The All-Star reserves will be announced Feb. 9.