All-Star voting tip sheet

Once again fans will choose the five starters per team for the NBA All-Star Game, and once again they'll do a decent job.

Oh, there are flaws in the voting system. For instance, Yao Ming, thanks to online voting and about a billion fans in China, will always start whether he's deserving or not. And Yao's popularity in his native land always helps his Rockets teammate Tracy McGrady ride his coattails to more votes than he deserves, too.

In addition, players from smaller market teams like the Utah Jazz have a tougher time earning a starting spot. Then again, no Jazz players are deserving this season, so that's not a problem this year.

Sure, having fans vote is not a perfect way to select the best 10 players to start in the NBA's midseason exhibition game filled with little defense and flashy dunking. But at least the NBA doesn't use the Electoral College.

In any event, there is precious little time remaining for fans to let their voices be heard. Voting with paper ballots is already over, but fans have until Monday to vote online for whom should start in the game set for Feb. 15 in Phoenix.

Since this is serious business — almost as serious as picking a new president of the United States or even an American Idol — here's the real scoop as to whom has actually earned the right to be called an All-Star this season:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Guards — Miami's Dwyane Wade and New Jersey's Devin Harris

Wade was hobbled and the Heat were an embarrassment to the league last year. But he's now healthy and playing better than ever. The versatile shooting guard is leading the NBA in scoring (28.8 ppg) and has Miami above .500 and back into the playoff picture.

Harris, meanwhile, has been the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are used to having an All-Star run their offense, which is why it's a good thing they made the trade last season sending Jason Kidd to Dallas. Harris, whom they got from the Mavs, is playing at an All-Star level while Kidd is fading fast. Harris is an outstanding scorer (22.7 ppg) and improving as a passer (6.6 apg). He's having a much better year than Detroit's Allen Iverson, who will likely start due to the fan voting.

Forwards — Cleveland's LeBron James and Boston's Kevin Garnett