J.O. Earns All-Star Nod

Jermaine O'Neal took his rightful place on the Eastern Conference All-Star team when he was named as a reserve Thursday night. JO's 19.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, and 3 blkspg provide the statistical backing for his All-Star inclusion. But the numbers don't tell the whole story. JO has been a rock for this team, consistently stepping up to bring whatever the Pacers need. With the recent trade upsetting the roster, JO quickly gave the new faces his blessing and helped work them into the playing rotation. Prior to the trade he played for two weeks on a bum ankle but fought through the pain to play each game which made other teams account for him on the floor. JO has raised his defensive presence quite a bit this year. He currently leads the league in blocks, even ahead of block specialists like Marcus Camby and Emeka Okafor. Along with the blocks, JO is quick to jump in front of anyone driving the lane to pick up a charge which he seems to do two or three times a night. In short, JO is playing a complete game and playing it well which now is officially acknowledged as playing at an All-Star level.

Here are the 2007 NBA All-Star rosters:

EASTERN CONFERNCE	WESTERN CONFERENCE
F – LeBron James, Cleveland	F – Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
F – Chris Bosh, Toronto	F – Tim Duncan, San Antonio
C – Shaquille O’Neal, Miami	C – Yao Ming, Houston
G – Dwyane Wade, Miami	G – Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
G – Gilbert Arenas, Washington	G – Tracy McGrady, Houston
R – Chauncey Billups, Detroit	R – Carlos Boozer, Utah
R – Caron Butler, Washington	R – Allen Iverson, Denver
R – Vince Carter, New Jersey	R – Shawn Marion, Phoenix
R – Richard Hamilton, Detroit	R – Steve Nash, Phoenix
R – Dwight Howard, Orlando	R – Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
R – Jason Kidd, New Jersey	R – Tony Parker, San Antonio
R – Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana	R – Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix