2008 NBA All-Star Starters Announced - Final Returns

For the most part, the starters for both the Western and Eastern Conferences were to be as expected.?Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett edged Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James as the top vote-getter in the NBA All-Star balloting.? Through the NBA All-Star balloting, fans were able to able to vote for the starters for the 57th NBA All-Star Game, which will take place in New Orleans?on Sunday, February 17.? The game?can be?received on several media outlets: on television on TNT, ESPN Radio and in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The reserves, which will be announced on January 31 on TNT and at Slam Dunk Central, are selected as follows: the head coaches must vote for seven players within their conference, including two guards, two forwards, a center and two players regardless of position.? Coaches are not permitted to vote for players on their team.? After the coaches select the reserves, if a player is unable to participate in the All-Star Game, NBA Commissioner David Stern will select a replacement.

Below are the starters for the Western and Eastern Conferences for the?2008 NBA All-Star Game:

Western Conference

F- Carmelo Anthony, Denver
F- Tim Duncan, San Antonio
C- Yao Ming, Houston
G- Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles
G- Allen Iverson, Denver

Eastern Conference

F- Kevin Garnett, Boston
F- LeBron James, Cleveland
C- Dwight Howard, Orlando
G- Jason Kidd, New Jersey
G- Dwyane Wade, Miami

The final returns from balloting for the 2008 NBA All-Star Game:

Western Conference

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 1,723,701; Tim Duncan (SA) 1,712,800; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 1,259,025; Carlos Boozer (Utah) 553,624; Shawn Marion (Phx) 514,142; Shane Battier (Hou) 475,483; Kevin Durant (Sea) 463,187; Luis Scola (Hou) 424,470; Josh Howard (Dal) 423,973; Grant Hill (Phx) 389,672.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 2,004,940; Allen Iverson (Den) 1,203,152; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,192,742; Steve Nash (Phx) 1,174,125; Chris Paul (NO) 563,525; Manu Ginobili (SA) 541,148; Tony Parker (SA) 500,009; Baron Davis (GS) 499,186; Jason Terry (Dal) 300,125; Jerry Stackhouse (Dal) 270,412.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 1,709,180;
Amar? Stoudemire (Phx) 998,969; Marcus Camby (Den) 412,563; Tyson Chandler (NO) 289,593; Erick Dampier (Dal) 254,662; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 216,271; Pau Gasol (Mem) 206,408; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 202,403; Chris Kaman (LAC) 189,385; Andris Biedrins (GS) 161,411.

Eastern Conference

Forwards: Kevin Garnett (Bos) 2,399,148; LeBron James (Clev) 2,108,831; Chris Bosh (Tor) 838,498; Paul Pierce (Bos) 574,159; Yi Jianlian (Mil) 450,515; Caron Butler (Wash) 340,619; Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) 301,038; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 293,200; Tayshaun Prince (Det) 280,369; Rashard Lewis (Orl) 240,725.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,608,260; Jason Kidd (NJ) 1,246,386; Ray Allen (Bos) 1,061,740; Vince Carter (NJ) 981,050; Gilbert Arenas (Wash) 797,502; Chauncey Billups (Det) 625,772; Michael Redd (Mil) 375,243; Richard Hamilton (Det) 308,357; Joe Johnson (Atl) 253,308; T.J. Ford (Tor) 253,216.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 2,066,991; Shaquille O?Neal (Mia) 965,171; Rasheed Wallace (Det) 303,978; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 283,576; Ben Wallace (Chi) 256,604;
Jermaine O?Neal (Ind) 217,675; Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Cle) 205,152; Emeka Okafor (Char) 147,447; Eddy Curry (NY) 107,279; Zaza Pachulia (Atl) 98,593.