2010 NBA All-Star Game: Heat and Celtics combine for lethal East squad

Eastern Conference Starters

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls (24.5 ppg, 8.2 apg)

As arguably the NBA MVP of the first half of the regular season, Derrick Rose has quickly gone from a promising young point guard to an elite player at his position. Along with adding a deadly jumper to his game, Rose has become nearly unguardable when running the point for the Chicago Bulls.

The addition of Carlos Boozer has given the Bulls a boost in the frontcourt, but Derrick Rose has stolen the show in the Windy City this season with his best year as a pro.

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Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat (25.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg)

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No team in the NBA made more moves this past summer than the Miami Heat. Even though the Heat were already a talented team with Dwyane Wade running the show, they have become amongst the elite teams in the league and could threaten to win the Eastern Conference at season’s end.

Despite having two more superstars on his squad, D-Wade is still arguably one of the best players in the league and having another solid season.

LeBron James, Miami Heat (26.1 ppg, 7.3 apg and 7.3 rpg)

No other player in NBA history has gone from hero to villain as quickly as LeBron James has just by changing teams and increasing his chances of winning an NBA title. Even though King James is considered to be the most hated man in the NBA this season, the two-time NBA MVP has played brilliantly with his new team and could be a contender for yet another MVP award.

Amare Stoudemire, New York Knicks (26.2 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 2.2 bpg)

The New York Knicks set their sights on free agents LeBron James and Dwyane Wade during the offseason as they were in desperate need of a big-name player to turn this franchise around.

Ironically enough, the Knicks were the first team to sign a big-name player this past summer by locking up forward Amare Stoudemire. Even though the Knicks are a much improved team this season with Amare leading the charge, New York has struggled as of late, but the All-Star forward is have an MVP caliber year with his new team.

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic (22.6 ppg, 13.9 rpg and 2.1 bpg)

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The Orlando Magic have been the only elite NBA franchise to make a trade during the regular season as they acquired Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas. Despite changing up the roster, the Magic have been stay on pace for a high seed in the Eastern Conference.

Along with the new additions, Dwight Howard has continued to play like the best big man in the league and might be able to lead his team back into the NBA Finals if he can keep up his production in the paint.

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East Reserves

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics- Every single season Rajon Rondo makes a case as arguably the best all around point guard in the league and this season is no different.

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics- Pierce has had injury problems at times this season, but he still puts up solid numbers as he leads the Celtics in scoring once again.

Ray Allen, Boston Celtics- After breaking Reggie Miller’s record for all-time 3-point field goals made, Allen’s one goal will be to win one more NBA title before he calls it quits.

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics- KG might not be putting up the numbers that he used to with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he still get the job done and brings more intensity than any other player at his position.

Chris Bosh, Miami Heat- Bosh may have elected to settle for the third best player distinction behind Wade and LeBron on the Heat, but he’s still a force to be reckoned with and deserving of an All-Star selection.

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks- The Atlanta Hawks might be flying under the radar this season with the emergence of the Miami Heat and dominance of the Boston Celtics, but Horford has quickly become one of the best players in the paint.

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks- Even though Joe Johnson isn’t that outspoken, the Hawks’ superstar is still an elite player in this league.