Early NBA All-Star Votes

The NBA has released the first round of results from All-Star Balloting for the 2008 Game in New Orleans. Right now the leaders of the pack are Boston Celtic Kevin Garnett and Cleveland Cav Lebron James in the East. The West's top vote-getters are Kobe Bryant of the Lakers and Denver Nugget, Carmelo Anthony.

It's good to see Melo finally getting the love, and he can probably thank KG for leaving for the East. KG was a top vote-getter consistently out West for the forward spot. As expected Yao Ming is leading the Western Centers in voting, with Erick Dampier in second. Not for long though, as Marcus Camby is 7,000 votes behind him.

Here's how the starting teams would look if voting ended today:

Eastern All-Stars:
G Jason Kidd, NJ Nets
G Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
F Lebron James, Cleveland Cavs
F Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
C Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

Western All-Stars:
G Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers
G Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
F Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
F Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavs
C Yao Ming, Houston Rockets

It's interesting to see that Tim Duncan isn't on the list, yet. He's 3rd among forwards and trails Dirk by about 20,000 votes. And in case you were wondering, the latest import to the NBA from China, Yi Jianlian is 5th in voting for Eastern Conference forwards. Let's hope China doesn't get any last minute ideas, even though the rook has potential in the league. Head over to NBA.com to cast your All Star votes for the 57th NBA All-Star Game (New Orleans, Sunday Feb. 17).