Picking the East reserves

Thursday the Eastern Conference All Star reserves will be announced on TNT (an hour before the Magic take on the Cavaliers). And it is not at all out of the question that Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson will be joining Dwight Howard in the Phoenix desert.

Here is my two cents on who should go from the East:

Guard Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets -- Harris has been one of the top players in the Eastern Conference all season. The Nets did not have much hope for anything at the beginning of the season with both Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson gone. But Harris has truly elevated his game and become one of the top point guards in the NBA.

Guard Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic -- Nelson has the pressure put on him early in the season when Otis Smith gave him a big contract extension. He has taken that calling and turned the Magic into one of the elite teams in the NBA. No one thought Orlando would make that jump this season and certainly not with Nelson at the point. He has carried the team offensively at times and has taken total command of the offense.

Forward Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics -- Pierce has always been a stalwart. Even during Boston's championship run, he was the one taking the scoring burden. He is clearly an all star player and his great run with the Celtics will get him a spot.

Forward Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers -- If there is a player that has improved more than Harris, it is Granger. Granger has transformed from pretty solid player with help around him to take the pressure off to a fantastic player who can carry a team. Still too young to get the struggling Pacers to the playoffs. But he is the front runner for the Most Improved Player Award and a superstar of the future.

Center Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors -- Bosh is another one of those consistent guys on a pretty poor team. Bosh and the Raptors have not had the year they would like. But CB4 is still a solid player worthy of an all star nod. On any night he is likely to go for 40 points, a rarity with big men.

Guard Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks -- Still one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He can get a shot wherever he wants and can score with the best of them. The Hawks are no longer a laughing stock and have become a consistent playoff team (this year will be a second straight year in the postseason, unheard of since a guy named Dominique Wilkins in Atlanta) under his watch and play.

Guard Ray Allen, Boston Celtics -- It is tough not to send all three of the Celtics' big players to Phoenix. All three are so integral to that team's success. It almost seems that taking one out would make the whole team ineffective. Allen is still one of the best shooters in the league and deserves another shot at the All Star game.

Just Missed the Cut: Rashard Lewis, Magic; Rajon Rondo, Celtics; Mike Bibby, Hawks.

And now for the West:

G Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers
G Tony Parker, Spurs
F Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
F Kevin Durant, Thunder
C Pau Gasol, Lakers
G Chauncey Billups, Nuggets
C Shaquille O'Neal, Suns

Just Missed the Cut: Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets; Manu Ginobili, Spurs; Deron Williams, Jazz

Expect Lewis to be heading to the 3-point shootout and Courtney Lee to the Rookie-Sophomore Game.