Let’s face it: the voting process for All-Star starters isn’t exactly a meritocracy. Fortunately, the selections for All-Star reserves are based more on on-court accomplishments. The staff at Basketball Insiders ran down their All-Star picks for both conferences and here’s how the East bench looks: John Wall, DeMar DeRozan, Joakim Noah, Roy Hibbert, Chris Bosh, Lance Stephenson, and Paul Millsap. Today’s linkage out of the East..
- With offseason pickup Michael Beasley somewhat on the downswing and fellow newcomer Greg Oden only now beginning his comeback, it could be argued that the only true bench consistency has come from Chris Andersen, writes Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel.
- Oden is likely to remain as a situational player for the foreseeable future, writes Winderman. A reader asks Winderman if a return to being a rotation player would mark the biggest comeback in NBA history and he says no, rightfully citing the returns of Andersen and Roy Tarpley from substance abuse issues.
- He was obviously overshadowed by Carmelo Anthony‘s 62-point performance, but the recently acquired Jeremy Tyler made some tremendous plays in last night’s win over the Bobcats, writes Keith Schlosser of Ridiculous Upside. The Knicks plucked Tyler out of the D-League to be a physical rebounder and pestering defender, but his improved offensive skillset is a pleasant surprise.