Even Grant Hill's star power took several seasons to diminish. Beginning with his rookie year and continuing through his third season (at least), Hill was one of the leading vote-getters in the All Star race regularly beating out even Michael Jordan. There were a few years when he was the top vote-getter. Hill and Yao both have the hard-working good guy image. And Hill and Yao were both productive players but certainly not the best at their respective positions. Yao should get the start for at least the next two years on sheer popularity and solid play. After that, he'll get it for his play until the next big thing comes along. p.s. - I live in LA and, I've been watching Shaq in the preseason. He's in shape and looking to dominate. I'm pretty nervous about that clash already.
I think Shaq will win the All-Star voting. Yao will lose much of the strength of his novelty and I think there will actually be a reactionary vote in which people will want to set things aright by putting Shaq back in.
