Well, it's that time of year again.  I usually like to wait a while before jumping in and casting my All-star ballot just to see how things are working out.  To me, the all-star game is about taking the best players in the league this season and giving them a chance to shine.  So here are my picks:

West

G - Steve Nash  I mean does this really need any explanation?  The Suns have been on a tear recently and Nash is a large part of their succes. It doesn't hurt that he leads the league in assists either.

G - Kobe Bryant I know it is a bit cliche to vote Kobe in an All-star game as he seems to get in every year but, in my opinion, he deserves to get in this year more than any of his previous seasons.  He's trusting his teammates more, the Lakers are winning, and he's still one of the top three, if not the best, player in this league.

F - Carmelo Anthony 'Melo has been an absolute stud this year averaging 30 plus per game.  Best of all the Nuggets are winning.  The '03 draft class may be the best in history and Anthony is really growing as a franchise player (even though I trashed him in my power rankings earlier this season.)

F - Shawn Marion The Matrix often gets overlooked because of Nash and Amare, but, in my opinion, Marion is the most valuable player on this Suns team.  He is a statistical giant in just about every category.  It's a shame he doesn't get more recognition.

C - Yao Ming I don't even think it's up for debate anymore- Yao is the best center in the NBA and actually deserves the All-star nod this year.

East

G - Gilbert Arenas The East is so heavily loaded in the guard position that it was hard for me to pick two of the best, but Arenas gets the nod for me.  He's a points machine and may be the best guard in the Eastern conference.

G - Michael Redd Yes, the Bucks are bad, but Redd has simply been amazing averaging nearly 30 ppg this year.  He's even posted a 57 point game early on.  Redd is a guy that too often goes unnoticed.  He deserves it this year.

F - LeBron James He is simply the king...'nuff said.

F - Paul Pierce Yes, Boston is horrible.  You have to wonder how long it will be before Pierce asks for a trade.  His situation is very similar to A.I.'s but Pierce has a lot of good years left in him still. 

C - Dwight Howard Coming out of high school, Howard has made his presence felt in Orlando.  He has helped turn a struggling franchise around and is the league leader in rebounds per. 

Write in - J.R. Smith - Denver Smith has been a tremendous surprise for the Nuggets and, along with 'Melo, is part of one of the best backcourt duos in the league. Of all the write-in candidates, Smith's star shines the brightest.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite All-Stars at NBA.com