A Guide to 1998 All-Star Voting

Dateline: 1/13/98

ALL-STAR VOTING BALLOTS are out and you should vote. I now present a guide to all the players on the ballot, including some recommendations. First is the list of players on the ballot. Click on any player to pull up the numbers and where they stand for the All-Star Game.

(For those unfamiliar with some of the basic stats I use, click on the buttons following the terms below to get an explanation: )

East Forwards

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards (choose two)

Brown, P.J., Miami
Camby, M., Toronto
Grant, Ho., Orlando
Hill, G., Detroit
Hill, T., Milwaukee
Howard, J., Washington
Kemp, S., Cleveland
Kukoc, T., Chicago
Laettner, C., Atlanta
Mason, A., Charlotte
Mullin, C., Indiana
Oakley, C., New York
Pippen, S., Chicago
Rice, G., Charlotte
Robinson, G., Milwaukee
Rodman, D., Chicago
Van Horn, K., New Jersey
Walker, A., Boston
Webber, C., Washington
Williams, J., New Jersey

Guards (choose two)

Allen, R., Milwaukee
Blaylock, M., Atlanta
Brandon, T., Milwaukee
Dumars, J., Detroit
Gill, K., New Jersey
Hardaway, A., Orlando
Hardaway, T., Miami
Houston, A., New York
Iverson, A., Philadelphia
Jackson, J., Philadelphia
Jackson, M., Indiana
Jordan, M., Chicago
Kittles, K., New Jersey
Miller, R., Indiana
Phills, B., Charlotte
Smith, S., Atlanta
Stackhouse, J., Detroit
Stoudamire, D., Toronto
Strickland, R., Washington
Sura, B., Cleveland

Centers (choose one)

Divac, V., Charlotte
Ewing, P., New York
Knight, T., Boston
Longley, L., Chicago
Mourning, A., Miami
Muresan, G., Washington
Mutombo, D., Atlanta
Seikaly, R., Orlando
Smits, R., Indiana
Williams, B., Detroit

 WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards (choose two)

Abdur-Rahim, S., Vancouver
Baker, V., Seattle
Barkley, C., Houston
Campbell, E., L.A. Lakers
Duncan, T., San Antonio
Elliott, S., San Antonio
Ellis, L., Denver
Finley, M., Dallas
Garnett, K., Minnesota
Grant, B., Portland
Gugliotta, T., Minnesota
Malone, K., Utah
Manning, D., Phoenix
McDyess, A., Phoenix
Robinson, C., Phoenix
Russell, B., Utah
Schrempf, D., Seattle
Smith, J., Golden St.
Vaught, L., L.A. Clippers
Wallace, R., Portland

Guards (choose two)

Abdul-Rauf, M., Sacramento
Anderson, K., Portland
Bryant, K., L.A. Lakers
Daniels, A., Vancouver
Drexler, C., Houston
Hawkins, H., Seattle
Hornacek, J., Utah
Johnson, A., San Antonio
Johnson, K., Phoenix
Jones, E., L.A. Lakers
Kidd, J., Phoenix
Marbury, S., Minnesota
Pack, R., Dallas
Payton, G., Seattle
Richmond, M., Sacramento
Rider, I., Portland
Sprewell, L., Golden St.
Stith, B., Denver
Stockton, J., Utah
Van Exel, N., L.A. Lakers

Centers (choose one)

Bradley, S., Dallas
Dampier, E., Golden St.
Olajuwon, H., Houston
O'Neal, S., L.A. Lakers
Ostertag, G., Utah
Perkins, S., Seattle
Reeves, B., Vancouver
Robinson, D., San Antonio
Sabonis, A., Portland
Wright, L., L.A. Clippers

Player Stats and Descriptions

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards (choose two)

Brown, P.J., Miami
Having his best season ever... just like a lot of players under Pat Riley. That is not a coincidence. Why isn't Mashburn on this list? Not that I'd vote for him. (Mashburn almost became a Celtic recently, which was one of my pre-season predictions.)
Off. Rtg.= 108.2; Def. Rtg.= 100.6; Ind. Win%= 76.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 9.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.373

Camby, M., Toronto
Someone mentioned to me that Camby is a "cancer". That person had spent time at UMass and seemed to have inside information about the guy. But Camby was a great player in college. He played pretty well as a rookie, but, like all the Raptors, has gone to the crapper this year.
Off. Rtg.= 84.9; Def. Rtg.= 103.8; Ind. Win%= 3.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.263

Grant, Ho., Orlando
He's helped keep the Magic around 0.500. The Magic have a lot of 0.500 players, waiting for Penny Hardaway to return as a superstar, if he does.
Off. Rtg.= 101.9; Def. Rtg.= 102.4; Ind. Win%= 47.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.355

Hill, G., Detroit
He's starting to return to his former self, but he's a long way from it. He's one of the biggest disappointments of the year, actually. I hope to understand why. In the meantime, he is still better than your average player and a marginal all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 97.7; Def. Rtg.= 95.2; Ind. Win%= 60.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.450

Hill, T., Milwaukee
Not playing as well as he did in Cleveland. If he were, Milwaukee would probably have won a couple more games.
Off. Rtg.= 97.2; Def. Rtg.= 101.9; Ind. Win%= 31.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 9.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.328

Howard, J., Washington
A former all-star, who will probably always be just a former all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 100.1; Def. Rtg.= 103.4; Ind. Win%= 37.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 18.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.404

Kemp, S., Cleveland
For some reason, the credit for Cleveland's success goes not to Kemp but to Brevin Knight and Wesley Person. Still, Kemp is part of it, just not enough in my book to get an all-star spot.
Off. Rtg.= 90.7; Def. Rtg.= 90.8; Ind. Win%= 49.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.415

Kukoc, T., Chicago
His numbers are down and he'd be only OK on a team that didn't play defense as well. He has helped Jordan somewhat during this season. Probably not an all-star, but he might be.
Off. Rtg.= 106.8; Def. Rtg.= 98.5; Ind. Win%= 78.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.7; Prouty Rtg.= 0.433

Laettner, C., Atlanta
Has been criticized for the Hawks' recent losing streak, but it's not his fault. He is having as solid a year as he had last year, when I thought it was a little surprising he got an all-star nod. This year, with Pippen out until recently, he could get named as a reserve again.
Off. Rtg.= 108.0; Def. Rtg.= 99.7; Ind. Win%= 78.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.434

Mason, A., Charlotte
What's happened to him. He had played so well for several seasons, but is struggling to find the range this year.
Off. Rtg.= 102.2; Def. Rtg.= 103.5; Ind. Win%= 44.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.426

Mullin, C., Indiana
I might give Mullin a reserve slot.
Off. Rtg.= 111.7; Def. Rtg.= 98.4; Ind. Win%= 88.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.403

Oakley, C., New York
So many of these rebounding specialists come out as pretty close to 0.500 players by my system. And it seems to me that they do help good teams get better, but hurt bad teams. Oakley still has value on a Knick team without Ewing because there are some scorers still there.
Off. Rtg.= 93.4; Def. Rtg.= 94.1; Ind. Win%= 46.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 7.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.329

Pippen, S., Chicago
It's when guys like this are injured that we should make room for guys who have just missed it in the past.
No Stats

Rice, G., Charlotte
He's a reserve all-star on my east squad.
Off. Rtg.= 112.0; Def. Rtg.= 106.3; Ind. Win%= 69.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 20.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.444

Robinson, G., Milwaukee
Still a bum, at least compared to the expectations.
Off. Rtg.= 101.8; Def. Rtg.= 104.2; Ind. Win%= 40.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.406

Rodman, D., Chicago
When Pippen went out, they needed offense. They needed Rodman to be the player he was when he came into the league. Getting rebounds didn't help much. It was only when Ron Harper took some scoring load that the Bulls picked it up. Rodman has been more important to other teams than to vote him an all-star now.
Off. Rtg.= 85.9; Def. Rtg.= 93.0; Ind. Win%= 21.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 6.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.388

Van Horn, K., New Jersey
We reward rookies far too much for being mediocre rather than plain bad. Don't vote him to the All-Star Game. He's actually made the Nets worse, just not like most rookies make their teams worse.
Off. Rtg.= 100.7; Def. Rtg.= 103.1; Ind. Win%= 40.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 18.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.330

Walker, A., Boston
He shoots, he shoots, and sometimes he scores. Usually he turns the ball over. Pitino is such a magician that he could trade Walker for someone good and Boston would get even better.
Off. Rtg.= 94.9; Def. Rtg.= 99.5; Ind. Win%= 31.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.444

Webber, C., Washington
Best forward in the east. Still frustrating that he doesn't take advantage of the free throw line more.
Off. Rtg.= 106.1; Def. Rtg.= 97.4; Ind. Win%= 79.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 20.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.448

Williams, J., New Jersey
OK, so he's playing pretty well. He's playing much better than he ever has. He may earn some people's vote, but not mine. I just don't believe he's that good yet.
Off. Rtg.= 105.2; Def. Rtg.= 99.7; Ind. Win%= 70.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.395

Guards (choose two)

Allen, R., Milwaukee
Not playing as well as I might have expected. Kind of like Jerry Stackhouse.
Off. Rtg.= 105.5; Def. Rtg.= 106.0; Ind. Win%= 48.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 17.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.381

Blaylock, M., Atlanta
I haven't seen the Hawks this year, but they just don't seem that good. I can say the same about Blaylock. He did have a very good season last year, but he has been struggling this year.
Off. Rtg.= 95.9; Def. Rtg.= 102.2; Ind. Win%= 26.6%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.389

Brandon, T., Milwaukee
I don't think Sports Illustrated will name him as the best point guard in the league again. He is good and part of the reason the Bucks have had mild success, but he is a long way from being the best lead guard in the NBA.
Off. Rtg.= 107.8; Def. Rtg.= 102.1; Ind. Win%= 70.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.419

Dumars, J., Detroit
His absence has hurt the Pistons. Still a good player, but not as good as he used to be. About 65% of all voters in the Net Hall of Fame call him a solid Hall of Famer.
Off. Rtg.= 107.9; Def. Rtg.= 104.4; Ind. Win%= 62.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 10.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.316

Gill, K., New Jersey
He's matured into a modest player.
Off. Rtg.= 102.2; Def. Rtg.= 99.6; Ind. Win%= 60.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.384

Hardaway, A., Orlando
He wasn't playing well before the knee surgery that "saved his career". Hopefully, his career does get saved.
Off. Rtg.= 101.5; Def. Rtg.= 102.6; Ind. Win%= 45.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.352

Hardaway, T., Miami
A lock for the All-Star Game. One of my starters.
Off. Rtg.= 117.5; Def. Rtg.= 102.2; Ind. Win%= 90.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.9; Prouty Rtg.= 0.519

Houston, A., New York
I vote for Starks before Houston. Why don't New Yorkers see this? Houston got a big contract before he deserved. He's now proving that he will never deserve it.
Off. Rtg.= 95.8; Def. Rtg.= 99.5; Ind. Win%= 35.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.354

Iverson, A., Philadelphia
He played really well at the end of last season. Larry Brown has changed Iverson's direction and it doesn't seem to have helped. For Iverson's sake, I hope he gets a coach who knows what to do with him and they stick together. Because Iverson can be great. He isn't now, though.
Off. Rtg.= 104.2; Def. Rtg.= 105.3; Ind. Win%= 45.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.399

Jackson, J., Philadelphia
He had one very good season, the season he so badly turned his ankle. He has never been the same.
Off. Rtg.= 100.9; Def. Rtg.= 109.6; Ind. Win%= 21.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.341

Jackson, M., Indiana
Between Jackson and Jason Kidd, I think I take Jackson. He has more consistently contributed to better clubs. They are similar players, but Jackson recognizes his strengths and weaknesses better than Kidd. Kidd brings in more fans and can perhaps create a little more offense. But on most teams, I think Jackson helps more... If you name a fourth guard, it's Jackson or Brandon.
Off. Rtg.= 113.1; Def. Rtg.= 98.3; Ind. Win%= 90.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 10.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.456

Jordan, M., Chicago
Even in what has been an off year, he is still the best player in the league. For the sake of science, Jordan should voluntarily join the Clippers so that we can prove that he can make a bad team pretty good.
Off. Rtg.= 108.5; Def. Rtg.= 96.0; Ind. Win%= 87.6%; Pts.Prod./G= 26.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.521

Kittles, K., New Jersey
I figured that he didn't have much room to improve after the kind of rookie season he had last year. He hasn't improved, but he is a solid contributor to an up and coming Nets team. He's just not an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 106.6; Def. Rtg.= 103.0; Ind. Win%= 63.6%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.366

Miller, R., Indiana
Behind Jordan and Tim Hardaway. He's a solid Hall of Famer, in my book, and a rock of this franchise. But the Net Hall of Fame calls him a marginal Hall of Famer.
Off. Rtg.= 116.9; Def. Rtg.= 102.6; Ind. Win%= 89.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 17.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.438

Phills, B., Charlotte
How he's on the ballot is a mystery.
Off. Rtg.= 98.4; Def. Rtg.= 104.6; Ind. Win%= 27.6%; Pts.Prod./G= 10.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.333

Smith, S., Atlanta
He, not Laettner, is not quite living up to last season's performance.
Off. Rtg.= 110.1; Def. Rtg.= 105.7; Ind. Win%= 65.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.424

Stackhouse, J., Detroit
Helped by playing in Detroit. Generally, a good guy joining the NBA's favorite good guy, Grant Hill, but his talent doesn't quite match Hill's. May eventually be an all-star once or twice. Not now.
Off. Rtg.= 98.7; Def. Rtg.= 99.2; Ind. Win%= 48.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.373

Stoudamire, D., Toronto
He really has suffered since the chaos with Isiah Thomas. His numbers were a little better than his career numbers until then. Now, they are worse.
Off. Rtg.= 106.4; Def. Rtg.= 111.3; Ind. Win%= 32.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 20.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.364

Strickland, R., Washington
One of the most controversial all-star nominees. ESPN readers voted him in. I vote him out. He's one of the big reasons that the Wizards have been disappointing. Plus, he hit his teammate, which doesn't make for a comfortable team atmosphere.
Off. Rtg.= 100.1; Def. Rtg.= 103.2; Ind. Win%= 38.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.458

Sura, B., Cleveland
Hurt and was not playing well before injury.
Off. Rtg.= 62.0; Def. Rtg.= 96.3; Ind. Win%= 0.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 6.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.202

Centers (choose one)

Divac, V., Charlotte
My number 3 center, now that Ewing is out.
Off. Rtg.= 106.9; Def. Rtg.= 98.0; Ind. Win%= 79.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.7; Prouty Rtg.= 0.429

Ewing, P., New York
If he could play, he would get my vote. Best defensive player in the league on one of the best defensive teams. Low post play has suffered past few years, but he still suffocates an offense.
Off. Rtg.= 101.4; Def. Rtg.= 89.9; Ind. Win%= 87.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 18.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.431

Knight, T., Boston
Another cog in the Pitino machine, doing all that's asked. Much better in this system than any other.
Off. Rtg.= 100.2; Def. Rtg.= 100.0; Ind. Win%= 50.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 8.7; Prouty Rtg.= 0.334

Longley, L., Chicago
Not an all-star, but he has held up his end of the bargain and scored some points during Pippen's absence.
Off. Rtg.= 96.4; Def. Rtg.= 96.6; Ind. Win%= 49.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.7; Prouty Rtg.= 0.376

Mourning, A., Miami
Hasn't played enough to be an all-star. Hasn't played well enough either.
Off. Rtg.= 101.1; Def. Rtg.= 98.7; Ind. Win%= 59.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.359

Muresan, G., Washington
Hurt all season long. Don't vote for him unless you really like his fragrance.
No Stats

Mutombo, D., Atlanta
With Ewing out, it is between Mutombo and Smits for the East Center slot. They are very different centers, too, Mutombo dominating defensively and Smits playing well offensively. I give the nod to Mutombo because it is typically more important for a center to play defense.
Off. Rtg.= 105.0; Def. Rtg.= 96.3; Ind. Win%= 80.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.428

Seikaly, R., Orlando
Papers in the Bay Area named Seikaly as one of the many ex-Warriors playing well elsewhere. Actually, he's not playing that well, though perhaps a little better than Erick Dampier.
Off. Rtg.= 97.4; Def. Rtg.= 103.1; Ind. Win%= 29.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.380

Smits, R., Indiana
It seems to me that if Smits plays well, Indiana wins. If not, they lose. The team record then says something. See Mutombo comment.
Off. Rtg.= 103.3; Def. Rtg.= 96.0; Ind. Win%= 76.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.433

Williams, B., Detroit
One of my least favorite players and I do let that affect my judgment. His numbers aren't bad, but I still think he is one of the reasons Detroit is worse this year.
Off. Rtg.= 102.4; Def. Rtg.= 97.5; Ind. Win%= 68.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.401

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards (choose two)

Abdur-Rahim, S., Vancouver
Another over-hyped young guy yet to prove himself. He has promise, but that promise will kick in more when Jordan, Malone, Barkley, etc. leave.
Off. Rtg.= 103.4; Def. Rtg.= 107.6; Ind. Win%= 34.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.411

Baker, V., Seattle
Has had an outstanding half-season so far, but his numbers have been dropping a bit of late. If his offense returns to Milwaukee levels, he is still a good player, but only a marginal all-star. Right now, he is in perhaps the toughest slot in the NBA -- Western Forward. I might take him.
Off. Rtg.= 108.6; Def. Rtg.= 99.9; Ind. Win%= 79.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 17.7; Prouty Rtg.= 0.490

Barkley, C., Houston
Taking Charles is almost never a bad idea. He has always lived up to his reputation, in more ways than one. This isn't his best year and there are a lot of good forwards here, so I pass on Charles for once.
Off. Rtg.= 106.3; Def. Rtg.= 101.1; Ind. Win%= 69.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.447

Campbell, E., L.A. Lakers
Not a bad player, but not an all-star either. He could be if traded to the right situation, but even then, he'd be marginal.
Off. Rtg.= 99.2; Def. Rtg.= 99.5; Ind. Win%= 48.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.414

Duncan, T., San Antonio
Rookie of the Year and good all-star potential, but I keep him off the big boys team this year. He'll be there enough in the future, especially after he learns to protect the ball, which is what all rookies have to learn.
Off. Rtg.= 99.3; Def. Rtg.= 93.4; Ind. Win%= 72.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.455

Elliott, S., San Antonio
Not really even a good player anymore, which is a shame. He played this poorly during his year in Detroit, then got better again. Maybe he'll pick it up next year.
Off. Rtg.= 100.0; Def. Rtg.= 101.3; Ind. Win%= 45.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 9.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.334

Ellis, L., Denver
Was once a good young player, but is now pretty awful after injuries.
Off. Rtg.= 88.9; Def. Rtg.= 111.5; Ind. Win%= 2.6%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.268

Finley, M., Dallas
After a good rookie year, struggled as a sophomore. This year, he's about half way between. I don't see him really improving, just based on the fact that he struggled as a senior in college, once people started hearing about him and keying on him.
Off. Rtg.= 105.0; Def. Rtg.= 108.6; Ind. Win%= 36.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.351

Garnett, K., Minnesota
His boss, Kevin McHale, was better than this and never made nearly as much money. His boss was a second banana on a good club. Garnett is also a second (or third) banana on a mediocre club. He is a good player and a reasonable all-star choice, but not mine.
Off. Rtg.= 106.8; Def. Rtg.= 97.8; Ind. Win%= 80.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.9; Prouty Rtg.= 0.445

Grant, B., Portland
Another of the many Blazers who is pretty good on a pretty good team that everyone thinks should be better. Solid contributor, but not an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 105.4; Def. Rtg.= 98.2; Ind. Win%= 75.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.381

Gugliotta, T., Minnesota
Not good enough to be a serious all-star candidate, I believe. He has created a solid NBA career, but to dream that he is "great" (or a future Hall of Famer), as I've heard, is ludicrous.
Off. Rtg.= 105.5; Def. Rtg.= 101.5; Ind. Win%= 65.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 18.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.446

Malone, K., Utah
Still the best power forward in the game even if his numbers are off of last year's. Definite all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 108.8; Def. Rtg.= 99.2; Ind. Win%= 81.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 23.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.532

Manning, D., Phoenix
His resurgence could be credited to Jason Kidd, I guess. I can't tell. He has played well to help the Suns' strong start. If he'd been fully healthy, he'd have a chance to be an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 110.2; Def. Rtg.= 97.9; Ind. Win%= 86.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.411

McDyess, A., Phoenix
The Suns weren't sure if they'd resign him after his iffy play early on. He has been fitting in a lot better recently. Good numbers, better than he's ever had, but I'm not yet convinced.
Off. Rtg.= 105.6; Def. Rtg.= 96.6; Ind. Win%= 80.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.412

Robinson, C., Phoenix
Another Sun forward. Not an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 98.9; Def. Rtg.= 99.0; Ind. Win%= 49.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 10.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.372

Russell, B., Utah
Hurt by the longer three-point line. He's also been the target of Karl Malone's criticism. Well below last year's performance.
Off. Rtg.= 100.7; Def. Rtg.= 101.7; Ind. Win%= 46.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 7.7; Prouty Rtg.= 0.327

Schrempf, D., Seattle
So consistently good for years, but his lackluster play during the playoffs has kept him from getting much credit. I give it to him this year.
Off. Rtg.= 115.6; Def. Rtg.= 102.5; Ind. Win%= 87.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.500

Smith, J., Golden St.
He has been playing better, but there is no all-star dreams for him as he is still a below 0.500 player... which means he'll probably only get $15 million per year in his next contract.
Off. Rtg.= 95.5; Def. Rtg.= 102.8; Ind. Win%= 23.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.332

Vaught, L., L.A. Clippers
Injured and not playing as in years past. He can't wait to get out of the Clipper organization.
Off. Rtg.= 85.2; Def. Rtg.= 107.6; Ind. Win%= 2.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 7.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.223

Wallace, R., Portland
See Brian Grant comment.
Off. Rtg.= 106.3; Def. Rtg.= 99.9; Ind. Win%= 73.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.380

Guards (choose two)

Abdul-Rauf, M., Sacramento
There is fear that Iverson could end up like this guy, a shooter in a point guard body. Iverson put up better numbers in college and as a rookie. Abdul-Rauf is such a defensive liability that he has to shoot the lights out to be valuable.
Off. Rtg.= 92.3; Def. Rtg.= 107.2; Ind. Win%= 8.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 7.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.274

Anderson, K., Portland
Is it bad chemistry? Bad coaching? Anderson is another talented Blazer who has been great and who has been bad. This year is not too good.
Off. Rtg.= 104.1; Def. Rtg.= 102.8; Ind. Win%= 55.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.386

Bryant, K., L.A. Lakers
He is on the verge of greatness, but he's not there yet. He could be an all-star reserve, but that would mean all three Laker guards are on the team.
Off. Rtg.= 108.8; Def. Rtg.= 102.9; Ind. Win%= 70.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 16.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.445

Daniels, A., Vancouver
Hype got him, but not Brevin Knight, onto the ballot.
Off. Rtg.= 98.3; Def. Rtg.= 111.2; Ind. Win%= 12.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 11.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.331

Drexler, C., Houston
We're tempted to forget about great veterans like Drexler and vote for young unproven players who -- remember last year? -- don't get anywhere in the playoffs. Drexler could be an all-star reserve.
Off. Rtg.= 113.4; Def. Rtg.= 104.1; Ind. Win%= 79.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.9; Prouty Rtg.= 0.460

Hawkins, H., Seattle
Along with Dale Ellis, plays his role very well. The kind of player a great team needs, but the all-star team isn't about great role players.
Off. Rtg.= 120.0; Def. Rtg.= 99.7; Ind. Win%= 95.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 10.9; Prouty Rtg.= 0.437

Hornacek, J., Utah
Hornacek is one of those players who could be an all-star if there weren't so many other good candidates. He is a valid choice, if just because he's been a second line star for so long.
Off. Rtg.= 116.1; Def. Rtg.= 102.9; Ind. Win%= 87.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.452

Johnson, A., San Antonio
Everyone picks on Avery Johnson. The Spurs can't win a title with him as point guard. That is ridiculous. He is not a great point guard, but he doesn't hurt the team like some of the more well-known point guards. The Spurs can win a title with him at starting lead guard, but they need help at the other positions.
Off. Rtg.= 106.7; Def. Rtg.= 102.5; Ind. Win%= 65.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.417

Johnson, K., Phoenix
A new year and a new injury. A great player and an all-star when he's healthy. The question of whether he is a Hall of Fame candidate would be an interesting one to raise. The Net Hall of Fame Vote gives him 30% solid votes, 45% marginal votes, and 17% no votes.
Off. Rtg.= 113.8; Def. Rtg.= 103.2; Ind. Win%= 82.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.379

Jones, E., L.A. Lakers
He gets an all-star slot, whether it's starting or not, I can't say. Without Shaq, the Lakers have been riding Jones and Van Exel to great success.
Off. Rtg.= 116.7; Def. Rtg.= 101.2; Ind. Win%= 90.8%; Pts.Prod./G= 17.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.473

Kidd, J., Phoenix
Part of why Phoenix is winning is their improved defense and Kidd is a contributor to that. But his offensive contribution is not as great as the media would let you believe. The strategy of forcing him to shoot should be employed. He misses layups and jumpshots. His creative passing doesn't quite make up for it.
Off. Rtg.= 97.4; Def. Rtg.= 98.1; Ind. Win%= 47.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.459

Marbury, S., Minnesota
Better than last year, but no all-star. Marbury is a symbol to me of how point guards who control the ball so much make themselves look good even though they are not. They control the ball at the end of games and the media only shows their successes, not the many times they during the game when they miss ill-advised shots.
Off. Rtg.= 103.0; Def. Rtg.= 105.6; Ind. Win%= 40.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 20.5; Prouty Rtg.= 0.446

Pack, R., Dallas
Shouldn't be on the ballot.
Off. Rtg.= 77.3; Def. Rtg.= 105.8; Ind. Win%= 0.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 9.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.259

Payton, G., Seattle
One of the league's best players. Definite all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 114.5; Def. Rtg.= 99.6; Ind. Win%= 90.2%; Pts.Prod./G= 22.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.560

Richmond, M., Sacramento
Having an off-year and probably should not be an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 108.7; Def. Rtg.= 105.6; Ind. Win%= 61.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.8; Prouty Rtg.= 0.422

Rider, I., Portland
He's always been about a 0.500 player, an exciting one at that. Not an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 104.2; Def. Rtg.= 103.0; Ind. Win%= 54.3%; Pts.Prod./G= 19.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.400

Sprewell, L., Golden St.
All-star pro wrestler, maybe.
Off. Rtg.= 95.7; Def. Rtg.= 105.4; Ind. Win%= 17.6%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.0; Prouty Rtg.= 0.336

Stith, B., Denver
Formerly a good player. Has been progressively getting worse since his rookie year.
Off. Rtg.= 98.6; Def. Rtg.= 110.2; Ind. Win%= 14.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.251

Stockton, J., Utah
By the end of the season, he will earn votes for best point guard in the league. He could get the Jazz into the Finals again.
Off. Rtg.= 118.5; Def. Rtg.= 104.0; Ind. Win%= 88.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.433

Van Exel, N., L.A. Lakers
He has stepped up his play this year, playing like he never has. If Payton weren't my point, Van Exel would be. I don't expect him to keep it up all season, though. He never has before.
Off. Rtg.= 120.5; Def. Rtg.= 105.8; Ind. Win%= 89.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 17.9; Prouty Rtg.= 0.503

Centers (choose one)

Bradley, S., Dallas
Teams keep hoping that he suddenly turns into a good player. His height makes people believe that it could happen, but he's now almost 26 years old. That is getting late for a player to develop.
Off. Rtg.= 93.8; Def. Rtg.= 98.8; Ind. Win%= 30.4%; Pts.Prod./G= 13.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.304

Dampier, E., Golden St.
They needed ten players for the ballot.
Off. Rtg.= 88.5; Def. Rtg.= 99.7; Ind. Win%= 12.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 9.3; Prouty Rtg.= 0.296

Olajuwon, H., Houston
Injuries and the presence of Shaq and David Robinson mean he doesn't get on my all-star team. As always, a reasonable vote, though.
Off. Rtg.= 100.1; Def. Rtg.= 95.5; Ind. Win%= 67.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 14.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.346

O'Neal, S., L.A. Lakers
One has to begin to wonder if he's going to end up like Kevin Johnson, so good but so often injured.
Off. Rtg.= 111.2; Def. Rtg.= 96.3; Ind. Win%= 90.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 23.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.482

Ostertag, G., Utah
Has started to turn up the defense, registering a ton of blocks in recent games. But he in no way resembles an all-star.
Off. Rtg.= 87.1; Def. Rtg.= 94.7; Ind. Win%= 20.9%; Pts.Prod./G= 4.9; Prouty Rtg.= 0.302

Perkins, S., Seattle
Another of Seattle's solid role players.
Off. Rtg.= 110.7; Def. Rtg.= 101.2; Ind. Win%= 80.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 6.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.342

Reeves, B., Vancouver
No defense in Vancouver and defense starts at the center position... unless you play for Rick Pitino or George Karl.
Off. Rtg.= 99.5; Def. Rtg.= 108.2; Ind. Win%= 20.5%; Pts.Prod./G= 12.2; Prouty Rtg.= 0.325

Robinson, D., San Antonio
All-Star starter. Some criticized his selection to the NBA 50 Greatest, primarily because the Spurs playoff performance has not been among the 50 Greatest. He has never had much of a supporting cast.
Off. Rtg.= 111.3; Def. Rtg.= 92.6; Ind. Win%= 95.0%; Pts.Prod./G= 21.1; Prouty Rtg.= 0.525

Sabonis, A., Portland
Another solid season. Could be an all-star, but the expectations for him and the Blazers may be so high that he gets hurt for their inability to meet them.
Off. Rtg.= 106.4; Def. Rtg.= 94.9; Ind. Win%= 86.1%; Pts.Prod./G= 15.4; Prouty Rtg.= 0.440

Wright, L., L.A. Clippers
He is doing some things right. He is the best defender on one of the league's worst defensive clubs. Hard to say if he's developing or just having a good year.
Off. Rtg.= 102.2; Def. Rtg.= 103.0; Ind. Win%= 46.7%; Pts.Prod./G= 10.6; Prouty Rtg.= 0.311

My Final Ratings

Definite all-stars highlighted in dark gray. Pretty solid all-stars in light gray. Others listed in white.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards (choose two)

Player Team Off. Rtg. Def. Rtg. Ind. Win% Pts. Prod / G Prouty
Chris Webber WashingtonWizards 106.1 97.4 0.797 20.1 0.448
Glen Rice CharlotteHornets 112.0 106.3 0.697 20.4 0.444
Chris Mullin IndianaPacers 111.7 98.4 0.884 11.3 0.403
Christian Laettner AtlantaHawks 108.0 99.7 0.782 15.1 0.434
Grant Hill DetroitPistons 97.7 95.2 0.602 21.4 0.450
P.J. Brown MiamiHeat 108.2 100.6 0.762 9.5 0.373
Marcus Camby TorontoRaptors 84.9 103.8 0.038 11.3 0.263
Horace Grant OrlandoMagic 101.9 102.4 0.478 11.8 0.355
Tyrone Hill MilwaukeeBucks 97.2 101.9 0.318 9.4 0.328
Juwan Howard WashingtonWizards 100.1 103.4 0.373 18.8 0.404
Shawn Kemp ClevelandCavaliers 90.7 90.8 0.493 16.0 0.415
Toni Kukoc ChicagoBulls 106.8 98.5 0.785 14.7 0.433
Anthony Mason CharlotteHornets 102.2 103.5 0.447 12.6 0.426
Charles Oakley NYKnicks 93.4 94.1 0.469 7.8 0.329
Glenn Robinson MilwaukeeBucks 101.8 104.2 0.408 21.2 0.406
Dennis Rodman ChicagoBulls 85.9 93.0 0.218 6.2 0.388
Keith Van Horn NJNets 100.7 103.1 0.409 18.4 0.330
Antoine Walker BostonCeltics 94.9 99.5 0.317 21.8 0.444
Jayson Williams NJNets 105.2 99.7 0.703 11.4 0.395

Guards (choose two)

Player Team Off. Rtg. Def. Rtg. Ind. Win% Pts. Prod / G Prouty
Michael Jordan ChicagoBulls 108.5 96.0 0.876 26.5 0.521
Tim Hardaway MiamiHeat 117.5 102.2 0.903 21.9 0.519
Reggie Miller IndianaPacers 116.9 102.6 0.890 17.6 0.438
Mark Jackson IndianaPacers 113.1 98.3 0.905 10.8 0.456
Ray Allen MilwaukeeBucks 105.5 106.0 0.484 17.6 0.381
Mookie Blaylock AtlantaHawks 95.9 102.2 0.266 13.6 0.389
Terrell Brandon MilwaukeeBucks 107.8 102.1 0.705 19.1 0.419
Joe Dumars DetroitPistons 107.9 104.4 0.627 10.8 0.316
Kendall Gill NJNets 102.2 99.6 0.600 14.8 0.384
Anferne Hardaway OrlandoMagic 101.5 102.6 0.458 19.2 0.352
Allan Houston NYKnicks 95.8 99.5 0.354 13.6 0.354
Allen Iverson Philadelphia76ers 104.2 105.3 0.458 21.0 0.399
Jimmy Jackson Philadelphia76ers 100.9 109.6 0.210 13.8 0.341
Kerry Kittles NJNets 106.6 103.0 0.636 14.8 0.366
Bobby Phills CharlotteHornets 98.4 104.6 0.276 10.2 0.333
Steve Smith AtlantaHawks 110.1 105.7 0.657 19.3 0.424
Jerry Stackhouse DetroitPistons 98.7 99.2 0.480 16.3 0.373
Damon Stoudamire TorontoRaptors 106.4 111.3 0.328 20.2 0.364
Rod Strickland WashingtonWizards 100.1 103.2 0.380 19.5 0.458
Bob Sura ClevelandCavaliers 62.0 96.3 0.001 6.5 0.202

Centers (choose one)

Player Team Off. Rtg. Def. Rtg. Ind. Win% Pts. Prod / G Prouty
Patrick Ewing NYKnicks 101.4 89.9 0.873 18.3 0.431
Dikembe Mutombo AtlantaHawks 105.0 96.3 0.800 13.4 0.428
Rik Smits IndianaPacers 103.3 96.0 0.764 15.3 0.433
Vlade Divac CharlotteHornets 106.9 98.0 0.799 11.7 0.429
Travis Knight BostonCeltics 100.2 100.0 0.508 8.7 0.334
Luc Longley ChicagoBulls 96.4 96.6 0.491 11.7 0.376
Alonzo Mourning MiamiHeat 101.1 98.7 0.595 15.5 0.359
Rony Seikaly OrlandoMagic 97.4 103.1 0.290 15.3 0.380
Brian Williams DetroitPistons 102.4 97.5 0.687 16.6 0.401


WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards (choose two)

Player Team Off. Rtg. Def. Rtg. Ind. Win% Pts. Prod / G Prouty
Karl Malone UtahJazz 108.8 99.2 0.815 23.5 0.532
Detlef Schrempf SeattleSupersonics 115.6 102.5 0.873 16.5 0.500
Vin Baker SeattleSupersonics 108.6 99.9 0.790 17.7 0.490
Kevin Garnett MinnesotaT-wolves 106.8 97.8 0.804 16.9 0.445
Shar Abdur-rahim VancouverGrizzlies 103.4 107.6 0.345 21.2 0.411
Charles Barkley HoustonRockets 106.3 101.1 0.691 16.1 0.447
Elden Campbell LALakers 99.2 99.5 0.489 13.0 0.414
Tim Duncan SanAntonioSpurs 99.3 93.4 0.727 15.4 0.455
Sean Elliott SanAntonioSpurs 100.0 101.3 0.450 9.8 0.334
Laphonso Ellis DenverNuggets 88.9 111.5 0.026 12.1 0.268
Michael Finley DallasMavericks 105.0 108.6 0.368 19.8 0.351
Brian Grant PortlandTrailBlazers 105.4 98.2 0.757 12.0 0.381
Tom Gugliotta MinnesotaT-wolves 105.5 101.5 0.652 18.8 0.446
Danny Manning PhoenixSuns 110.2 97.9 0.868 13.1 0.411
Antonio Mcdyess PhoenixSuns 105.6 96.6 0.808 12.6 0.412
Cliff Robinson PhoenixSuns 98.9 99.0 0.498 10.5 0.372
Bryon Russell UtahJazz 100.7 101.7 0.461 7.7 0.327
Joe Smith GSWarriors 95.5 102.8 0.233 15.6 0.332
Loy Vaught LAClippers 85.2 107.6 0.023 7.2 0.223
Rasheed Wallace PortlandTrailBlazers 106.3 99.9 0.732 12.4 0.380

Guards (choose two)

Player Team Off. Rtg. Def. Rtg. Ind. Win% Pts. Prod / G Prouty
Gary Payton SeattleSupersonics 114.5 99.6 0.902 22.1 0.560
Nick Vanexel LALakers 120.5 105.8 0.890 17.9 0.503
Eddie Jones LALakers 116.7 101.2 0.908 17.0 0.473
Jeff Hornacek UtahJazz 116.1 102.9 0.872 15.1 0.452
Mahmo Abdul-rauf SacramentoKings 92.3 107.2 0.084 7.0 0.274
Kenny Anderson PortlandTrailBlazers 104.1 102.8 0.550 14.0 0.386
Kobe Bryant LALakers 108.8 102.9 0.707 16.5 0.445
Antonio Daniels VancouverGrizzlies 98.3 111.2 0.122 11.2 0.331
Clyde Drexler HoustonRockets 113.4 104.1 0.797 19.9 0.460
Hersey Hawkins SeattleSupersonics 120.0 99.7 0.951 10.9 0.437
Avery Johnson SanAntonioSpurs 106.7 102.5 0.653 12.6 0.417
Kevin Johnson PhoenixSuns 113.8 103.2 0.828 14.5 0.379
Jason Kidd PhoenixSuns 97.4 98.1 0.474 14.1 0.459
Stephon Marbury MinnesotaT-wolves 103.0 105.6 0.401 20.5 0.446
Robert Pack DallasMavericks 77.3 105.8 0.007 9.8 0.259
Mitch Richmond SacramentoKings 108.7 105.6 0.615 21.8 0.422
Isaiah Rider PortlandTrailBlazers 104.2 103.0 0.543 19.2 0.400
Latrell Sprewell GSWarriors 95.7 105.4 0.176 21.0 0.336
Bryant Stith DenverNuggets 98.6 110.2 0.145 12.2 0.251
John Stockton UtahJazz 118.5 104.0 0.889 13.6 0.433

Centers (choose one)

Player Team Off. Rtg. Def. Rtg. Ind. Win% Pts. Prod / G Prouty
David Robinson SanAntonioSpurs 111.3 92.6 0.950 21.1 0.525
Shaquille O'neal LALakers 111.2 96.3 0.909 23.4 0.482
Shawn Bradley DallasMavericks 93.8 98.8 0.304 13.1 0.304
Erick Dampier GSWarriors 88.5 99.7 0.129 9.3 0.296
Hakeem Olajuwon HoustonRockets 100.1 95.5 0.679 14.1 0.346
Greg Ostertag UtahJazz 87.1 94.7 0.209 4.9 0.302
Sam Perkins SeattleSupersonics 110.7 101.2 0.807 6.2 0.342
Bryant Reeves VancouverGrizzlies 99.5 108.2 0.205 12.2 0.325
Arvydas Sabonis PortlandTrailBlazers 106.4 94.9 0.861 15.4 0.440
Lorenzen Wright LAClippers 102.2 103.0 0.467 10.6 0.311

KILL THE FROGS!
LIZARDS RULE!