January 8, 2008 - Plenty Of Great Guard Candidates For West All-Star Roster...

1. Kobe Bryant -- He trusted his teammates and it's paid off. Patience and development are working for the game's best player at both ends of the floor.

2. Steve Nash -- Two-time MVP can make us take for granted 18 points and 12 assists per night. I've always appreciated his efficiency and durability.

3. Allen Iverson -- Is he getting older or better? Both. Still in the top five in scoring, AI has had a rebirth in Denver when it was feared his career might be on the down swing.

4. Tony Parker -- That's right, to the winner goes the spoils. He directs the Spurs' attack, and without his speed and playmaking ability, the face of that team changes dramatically. Great speed, with the ability to break down a defense and finish.

5. Chris Paul -- This is a heartbreak pick. I want to reward Brandon Roy because of the season Portland is having. I think Deron Williams is better than Paul, but Paul is doing more with less. And since his Hornets host the All-Star Game, what better guy to usher in his NBA colleagues and the fans to the Big Easy?

Paul's the call.

-- Jalen Rose