NEW YORK – The results of the fan balloting are in for the NBA All-Star game and this year like most other years reminds us how the best or most deserving players do not always make it to the game.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson was voted to start for the Eastern Conference alongside Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett. Garnett has missed a good portion of the season and A.I. well, we know all about A.I.

He’s only played in 19 games and is having the worst season in his career averaging just 14.8 point a game for the 76ers.

“I just want to thank everybody for their support this season and it’s an honor that the fans have voted me into the All-Star Game as a starter,” said Iverson. “The fans are who make us and make the NBA so popular. This year is even more special because I’ll be representing a city and fans that I love and a team that has been such a big part of my life throughout my career.”

Other starters for the East are Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James.

James became the first player to obtain 2.5 million votes three times and will start for the East for the sixth time in his career.

“The fans still love and see what I do every night and they appreciate it, and I appreciate them for electing me as an All-Star starter,” said James. “It’s still special.”

Steve Nash and Tim Duncan also earned enough votes to gain starting positions for the Western Conference. They will be joined by Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire and Denver forward Carmelo Anthony.

The reserves will be chosen by votes from the head coaches in each conference and will be announced on Thursday.

The game will be played on Feb. 14 game at Cowboys Stadium where a record crowd of 80,000 are expected to see the game.

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