Bosh vs Kyrie: Who Should Start?

Rajon Rondo tearing his ACL created two openings in the All-Star game: A general player replacement (Fairly given to Brook Lopez), and a replacement in the starting lineup.  A recent Heat win secured them the best record in the East at the halfway point, meaning Erik Spoelstra and his staff are assuming the coaching duties, and are allowed to choose the final starter.  This has been wittled down quickly to two choices: Club namesake Chris Bosh, and second-year phenom Kyrie Irving.  Bosh has made no secret of expecting to be named starter.  But should he be?

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Let's try to look at this.  Bosh is obviously playing on the better team.  Miami is leading the conference, while Cleveland sits in 13th position, 18.5 games back.  I don't need to remind you about the quality of Boshs' teammates.  The best thing Kyrie had going this year was Anderson Varejao, ane he's out for the season.  It's safe to say Kyrie carries a heavier load.

 

But what about the numbers?  Kyrie is checking in at 24/5/4 & 2 steals with 47/41/81 shooting splits.  Bosh 18/2/7 and 1 block, posting 55/27/81 shooting.   Kyrie posts the 13th-best PER at 22.78, with Bosh sitting in 22nd at 20.61.  Again, advantage Kyrie. 

 

Kyrie is doing all that is asked of him and more, while putting on some jaw-dropping performances and carrying a really terrible team.  Bosh isn't playing poorly by any stretch; it's no secret he gets overshadowed and generally under-appreciated.  But when you have an open PG slot, and the best young player/PG in the league making his first All-Star game, why not reward him?  You really need to put Bosh in, making the Heat the first time with 3 ASG starters since Magic's early 90s Lakers?  Come on, Erik.  Do the right thing, let Kyrie get a chance to shine and be in the starting lineup.  Who doesn't want to see him and BronBron and Melo carving up KSmoove? 

Larry Bird's All-Star picks

My All-Star picks are fairly similar to Chucks, which is not that unexpected.  Over in the East, we came up with the same starters.  I don't think Bron or Melo need any introduction.  They'll be occupying those two spots for years to come.  Varejao has been having a career year, putting up 14&14, and is getting rewarded.  The Celtics haven't been too impressive, but Rondo is putting up career highs in points and assists (12 assists/game is crazy talk) and is generally the main reason the Celts stay competitive.  I went back and forth between Kyrie and Jrue for the last spot.  In the end, a combination of injuries, the Cavs stinking, and not seeing any rational way for the Cavs to have 2 starters, I had to go with the hometown hero Jrue.  Breakout season, and is doing his best to keep the Sixers relevant in spite of the massive 7-foot void in the middle of the team.  Kyrie will get a bench spot, with Tyson Chandler, Brandon Jennings, Joakim Noah and Bosh. 

We differed a little in the West.  Can't debate KDTrey.  ZBo has been quietly having a great year, forming probably the best frontcourt out there with Marc Gasol.  Tim Duncan, while not necessarily my favorite player, has rolled back the clock and is leading the Spurs, yet again, to one of the best records in the West.  Gotta give him recognition for that.  It boggles my mind Chuck would leave Chris Paul off the starters...Seriously, don't understand that one.  Best player and leader of the team with the best record in the L, and probably 3rd best overall player out there.  I don't need to get into it, but he's a starter.  Taking Harden for the last spot.  Got thrust into the limelight and has been handling it quite well, sitting 4th in the league in scoring.  Kobe has been playing some ridiculous ball, but I would rather reward the guy keeping his team in the playoff mix without having multiple All-Stars/HOFers.   Kobe can man the bench, with Ibaka, RussRuss, Blake, Aldridge, Lawson, Faried, Asik and more keeping him company. 

Don't need to go on a rant about it, but fan voting for starters is fucking stupid.  Just seeing Lin, Howard, Wade, and DWill at the top of the ballots says all that needs to be said about that.