With the starters for this year’s NBA All-Star game set to be announced this Thursday and the reserves to be voted upon by coaches later on, I will once again endorse the rarely talked about superstar hidden away in Golden State. Of course, I’m referring to my NBA player man crush himself, Monta Ellis.

Yes, this is the same Monta Ellis who struggled with some character issues early on in his career. Yes, this is the same Monta Ellis who blew out his deltoid ligament in a motorcycle accident and proceeded to lie about it, blaming the injury on a pick-up basketball game. But this is also the same Monta Ellis who was named the 2005 Parade Magazine High School Player of the Year (along with Greg Oden-sorry Portland fans…). This is the same Monta Ellis whose ridiculous high school stat lines (38.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 4.5 steals in his senior year) have carried over into a solid overall game at the NBA level. This is the same Monta Ellis who is 4th in the NBA in scoring (25.8ppg) behind only the likes of scoring machines Kevin Durant, Amare Stoudemire, and LeBron James. This is the same Monta Ellis who has helped restore some semblance of respectability to the lowly Warriors.

Monta Ellis’ three 40+ point games, which tie a career high, are a league best. His staggering 9 games dropping 35 or more is also tops in the NBA. The guy trails Kevin Durant, viewed by some as the league’s best player, in this year’s scoring title race by just over 2 points per game! While it’s obvious he can score the basketball, Ellis also does it on the defensive end, as he is 3rd in the league in steals per game, behind only Chris Paul and Rajon Rondo.

While the numbers are undeniable, the problem lies in this-the Western Conference is absolutely stacked with top-notch guards. With Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul the clear-cut favorites to be voted in as starters, only 7 reserve positions, and a number of other talented guards and other players for that matter, Monta Ellis is in danger of being the odd man out of this year’s Western Conference squad. After Kobe and Paul there is still Deron Williams, Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, and even Manu Ginboli who has helped lead the Spurs to the league’s best record. And those are only the guards. With Dirk Nowitzki a lock to make it as at least a reserve and the young double-double machines Blake Griffin and Kevin Love doing nothing to hurt their chances at a spot on the team, this leaves about 4 roster spots to be divided out amongst a number of talented players including Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Tim Duncan, Manu Ginboli, Zack Randolph, Rudy Gay and Monta Ellis. Given the Warriors’ record and the fact that a majority of these other possible reserves play for winning teams, Monta Ellis being an All-Star in 2011 looks like a long shot. As much as it pains me to say it, there is just too much talent in the West and too much depth at the guard position and the team he plays for doesn’t help a bit. So while I’ll be praying to see Monta Ellis’ name scroll through on the Bottom Line of ESPN come selection time, I won’t be banking on it.

Here are my picks for the Western Conference All-Star Team. Be sure to share your thoughts, own picks, or anyone you think I snubbed in the comment section!

Starters:

Chris Paul, Hornets (16.2 points, 9.6 assists (3rd in NBA))-also leads the NBA in steals and shooting a career-best 47% from down town.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers (25 points (6th in NBA), 5.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists) –he’s Kobe Bryant

Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets (23.5 points (9th in NBA), 8 rebounds)-Despite all the trade talk he’s still performing. Top 10 in scoring and doing it on the glass with career high 8 boards per game.

Kevin Durant, Thunder (28.3 points (1st in NBA), 6.3 rebounds)-Carried over his dominance from USA Basketball, leads NBA in scoring. Nightmare to defend.

Pau Gasol, Lakers** **(18.6 points, 10.6 rebounds (6th in NBA)) –while technically considered a Power Forward, has played half a season at center for injured Bynum and is thus eligible. Huge year for the Spaniard

Reserves:

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (23.4 points (10th in NBA), 7.1 rebounds)-Heart and soul of the Mavs. Struggled through some injuries, still a lock to make team

Deron Williams, Jazz (21.7 points (15th in NBA), 9.5 assists (4th in NBA)) –career high in points and top 5 in assists as well as leading Jazz to 2nd place in division spells all-star to me

Russell Westbrook, Thunder (22.7 points (13th in NBA), 5 rebounds, 8.3 assists (9th in NBA)-Seems if Durant’s not scoring, Westbrook is. Career highs in points, rebounds, assists, field goal percentage and free throws. This guy’s going to be a stud for years to come

Blake Griffin, Clippers (22.8 points (12th in NBA), 12.9 rebounds (4th in NBA))-This guy’s a rookie?! Double/Double in all but 8 games this season. Has scored in double figures in all 43 games. Absolute monster!

Kevin Love, Timberwolves (21.3 points (19th in NBA), 15.6 rebounds (1st in NBA))-Has improved in every statistical category. Leads league in rebounds with a ridiculous 15.6 per. Double/Double in all but 5 games, including 30 straight games!

Monta Ellis, Warriors (25.8 points, (4th in NBA), 2.25 steals (3rd in NBA))-Man Crush. 2 ppg shy of Durant for scoring title. Menace on defense. Buried away in Golden State, but deserves first all-star appearance. Looking to end 12 year drought for Warriors-last all-star Sprewell in 1997.

Tim Duncan Spurs (13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds (9th in NBA)) – this final spot was tough. It was between Duncan and Nash and although Nash is 2nd in the league with 10.9 assists, his Suns are struggling and thought the Spurs deserved an all-star with that 37-7 record. Timmy is a big part of what keeps that team going