The NBA starting teams for the All-Star game have been announced for both the Eastern and Western conference.

Looking to create a more comprehensive system of player rating, this is the first year that there has been a distinction between ‘front court’ or ‘back court’.

So hybrid players, ones who demonstrate an adaptability in their game, have a better chance at getting voted in. The rosters are as follows, starting for the East: Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett; and starting for the West: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard.

You might be thinking: wait, Garnett and Howard? Is anyone else aware of the pattern forming in these All-Star selections? Yet again, big name players on major franchise teams (Boston and LA) have managed to top the lists, despite both of these NBA Juggernauts’ poor seasons.

Sorry, ‘poor’ is a weak description for a Lakers team that is currently ranked 11th in the Western conference with 17-21 record. An especially disappointing performance given that their offseason signings made more than a few analysts prophesy a record breaking regular season, with a finals tilt against Miami that would surely dethrone King James.

So much for the ‘dream team.’  As for Boston, the team is currently ranked 7th and it looks like its title window has officially closed.

Why then has a 36-year-old Kevin Garnett, far from his prime, been awarded a coveted spot while more deserving big men like Tyson Chandler of the New York Knicks, or Brook Lopez of the New Jersey Nets go unnoted? And why has a struggling Dwight Howard gotten the nod over Marc Gasol or Zach Randolph?

For the same reason Vince Carter was consistently voted an All-Star starter throughout the 2000′s, despite his deteriorating game after leaving the Toronto Raptors: the fans. The NBA starters are determined by online fan voting, and it is becoming very clear the fans just aren’t getting it right.

Big names on big market teams continue to garner votes while deserving NBA underdogs get snubbed.  Once again we are left with a line-up that brings controversy to the basketball world.

Hayley Campbell | Elite. 

Model Sports Fan, aka Hayley Campbell. A walking paradox: part model, part sports aficionado. Sports are my lifeblood, in particular the NFL makes my heart beat faster. Oh, and I love beer  Follow her on Twitter: @modelsportsfan