I like fans having input in the NBA All-Star Game, but clearly, the current system is flawed. While the millions of Chinese fans are great for the league, some of their votes are making the problem even worse.I'm one of the biggest Allen Iverson apologists in the world, but he probably shouldn't even make the team, much less start. Yi Jianlian, averaging 10 points on 40% shooting, finished behind only starters LeBron James and Kevin Garnett among East forwards. Thankfully, sanity prevailed in the West, with the incomparable Chris Paul beating out Tracy McGrady at the last second. T-Mac shouldn't be anywhere near the All-Star game this season, but with the throngs of Chinese fans watching Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets, his popularity gave him a shot. However, you can't blame China for Bruce Bowen, averaging 2.8 points, inexplicably finishing third among West forwards.
My solution: Let the coaches and/or players select the teams, and let the fans choose the starters after the teams are chosen. That way, the fans feel involved without ruining the integrity of the game. Some will argue that the All-Star Game is nothing but an exhibition, so why not let the fans see who they want to see? I'd argue that game means much more to the players than the fans, particularly players who don't make it every season. If you're stupidly voting for McGrady, Yi, or Bowen, chances are you've seen them play several times anyway. You'll probably have more fun seeing borderline guys like Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh, or Devin Harris, because they're excellent players and not constantly on national TV.
