Nobody tries in the All-Star Game, but as long as the Hall of Fame gatekeepers use All-Star appearances as part of their criteria, we should put some care into our picks.
Let's go over the ground rules again, since we're posting in a new space:
• I ignore the fan vote. It's more fun to construct the roster from scratch, and there is always at least one voted-in starter -- perhaps two this season -- who has no place in the game.
• I consider only the current season. We do this every year; isn't the point to honor the best performers in that specific season? No legacy cases!
• I follow the same positional rules as fans and coaches: four guards, six "frontcourt" players and two wild cards. The league gives you wiggle room for guys who flip-flop between guard and forward, but you can't slot someone at a position he barely plays just to construct your optimal ballot.
