Filling Out the West's All-Star Roster at Forward Earlier Friday, we regretfully broke down why Dirk Nowitzki, championship credentials and all, does not deserve a spot on this year's Western Conference All-Star team. But if Nowitzki isn't a rightful All-Star, then who is? For the uninitiated, each conference's All-Star reserves consist of two guards, two forwards, one center (this slot has proven to be fairly flexible between centers and bigger forwards) and two wild-card selections. That means that at absolute maximum - in the case that guards like Kyle Lowry, Ty Lawson, Tony Parker and Monta Ellis aren't deemed worthy of a wild-card spot - the West can take five forwards in addition to Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin, who were officially announced as All-Star starters Thursday night. The All-Star Game is Feb. 26 in Orlando, Fla. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves 25.3 points (45.2% FG), 13.6 rebounds and 2.6 turnovers in 39.4 minutes per game Love ranks in the N.B.A."s top five in points per game (sixth in points per minute), rebounds per game (and per minute), defensive rebounding rate, Player Efficiency Rating and Win Shares, all while putting up solid percentages and playing for one of the league's most exciting and unexpectedly competitive teams. There aren't many players who can match Love in scoring or rebounding, and there simply aren't any who boast his stellar production in both regards while also bringing consistent 3-point shooting and smart passing to the table. He's a legitimate star and an easy inclusion; Love can just lean on his gaudy statistical profile and scoff at anyone who dares to leave him off the ballot. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers 22.8 points (50.6% FG), 8.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 turnovers in 36.2 minutes per game Aldridge's high-low offensive game provides the foundation for Portland's halfcourt offense, and his ability to finish in the open court enables the team's transition attack. The key to it all is Aldridge's flexibility; whether the Blazers set up Aldridge on the low block, on the wing, or at the elbow, they're virtually guaranteed a quality shot attempt. Aldridge is phenomenally consistent on the offensive end, and if his shot creation and rebounding weren't already enough to make him a shoo-in, his efficiency, passing and strong defense should be more than enough to make him a first-time All-Star. Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz 16.9 points (52.3% FG), 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 turnovers in 31.5 minutes per game Millsap - not unlike Love or Aldridge - is the rare player who uses power and finesse to create a ultraproductive package. That combination has paid off in a big way this season, as Millsap's dominance provides the more understandable basis for Utah's otherwise surprising success. A sixth-year forward, Millsap is legitimately approaching superstar levels of production (his per-minute numbers are off the charts), and, honestly, if he is not chosen to the All-Star team, the system needs to be reconstructed from scratch. Candidates don't come much more qualified than this; denying Millsap would be more travesty than snub. Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz 18.5 points (47.8% FG), 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 turnovers in 33.1 minutes per game Only slightly less qualified than Millsap is Utah's other big man, Al Jefferson. He may not be as mobile, versatile or defensively inclined as Millsap, but his elite scoring production (20.0 points per 36 minutes) is powered by an unorthodox post game that is difficult to counter. "He's a tough challenge because he scores the ball so well from the block," Dallas Mavericks center Brendan Haywood said after a late January game against Jefferson and the Jazz. He's almost like a bigger version of Antawn Jamison because he has a bunch of different ways to get off his jump hook and he gets it off from crazy angles. I've got a lot of respect for his game, and he's truly one of the better big men in this league. Jefferson may not wander from the low block very often, but he manages to produce (as both a scorer and a rebounder) at an extremely high level. Millsap is still the more efficient member of the Jazz's highly productive tandem, but both players warrant serious All-Star consideration on the basis of their - and Utah's - terrific starts. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies 14.7 points (50.4% FG), 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.7 turnovers in 38.2 minutes per game Gasol is by far the best defender on this list, as his height, strength and surprising nimbleness make him a perfect pillar for Memphis's aggressive philosophy. On the offensive end, Gasol is bringing the same brand of smart, physical ball that has made him a quiet success over the last few seasons, but is doing so without Zach Randolph drawing the attention of opposing defenders. That makes his efficient interior scoring that much more impressive. Gasol isn't a superstar, but he is a highly effective player and precisely what the Grizzlies need him to be. And, as a bonus, Gasol is the most sensible candidate to fill the reserve center spot by the book, if you are a stickler for that kind of thing. Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets 17.5 points (45.6% FG), 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 turnovers in 33.5 minutes per game The Nuggets have weaponized Gallinari by letting him loose in the open court, and the results have been spectacular. Gallo began with a baseline of solid production, but in his first full season as a Nugget, he has been able to exploit opponents in transition, attack the basket relentlessly, and get to the free throw line at an elite rate. He rebounds well for his position, and uses his length and feet to play on-ball defense irksome only to the man he's guarding. The shot creation is key, though; Gallinari creates efficient scoring opportunities at a remarkable rate, and has been a perfect complement to the Nuggets" crew of fast-breaking guards and willing passers.