Dirk Nowitzki selected as NBA All-Star reserve

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dirk Nowitzki, who led Dallas to the NBA title last season, was selected Friday, February 10 as an NBA All-Star reserve, along with Boston' Paul Pierce, AFP reported.

Germany's Nowitzki, who was named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA finals last season, has struggled so far in the lockout-shortened campaign and wasn't selected in fan voting as a starter for the mid-season exhibition.

But he was a coach's pick as Western Conference reserve, along with San Antonio's French import Tony Parker, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, Memphis's Marc Gasol of Spain, Minnesota's Kevin Love, Steve Nash of Phoenix and Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City.

Joining Pierce as reserves on the Eastern Conference squad are Miami's Chris Bosh, Chicago's Luol Deng of Britain, Indiana's Roy Hibbert, Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala, Atlanta's Joe Johnson and New Jersey's Deron Williams.

The All-Star starters were named last week, with players from the Los Angeles Lakers and the rival Los Angeles Clippers dominating in the West.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and center Andrew Bynum will join Clippers forward Blake Griffin and guard Chris Paul on the team. The only non-Los Angeles West starter is Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City.

The Miami Heat placed two players on the Eastern Conference team as LeBron James got in at forward and Dwyane Wade was voted in at guard. Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic was the leading vote-getter overall with 1.60 million votes and will start for the East in front of his home crowd at Amway Center arena. Also making it in the East is forward Carmelo Anthony of New York and Chicago guard Derrick Rose, who is the reigning league MVP.

The 2012 all-star game will be played in Orlando, Florida, on February 26.