In addition, players from smaller market teams like the Utah Jazz have a tougher time earning a starting spot. Then again, no Jazz players are deserving this season, so that's not a problem this year.

Sure, having fans vote is not a perfect way to select the best 10 players to start in the NBA's midseason exhibition game filled with little defense and flashy dunking. But at least the NBA doesn't use the Electoral College.

In any event, there is precious little time remaining for fans to let their voices be heard. Voting with paper ballots is already over, but fans have until Monday to vote online for whom should start in the game set for Feb. 15 in Phoenix.

Since this is serious business -- almost as serious as picking a new president of the United States or even an American Idol -- here's the real scoop as to whom has actually earned the right to be called an All-Star this season:

Eastern CONFERENCE

Guards -- Miami's Dwyane Wade and New Jersey's Devin Harris

Wade was hobbled and the Heat were an embarrassment to the league last year. But he's now healthy and playing better than ever. The versatile shooting guard is leading the NBA in scoring (28.8 ppg) and has Miami above .500 and back into the playoff picture.

Harris, meanwhile, has been the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are used to having an All-Star run their offense, which is why it's a good thing they made the trade last season sending Jason Kidd to Dallas. Harris, whom they got from the Mavs, is playing at an All-Star level while Kidd is fading fast. Harris is an outstanding scorer (22.7 ppg) and improving as a passer (6.6 apg). He's having a much better year than Detroit's Allen Iverson, who will likely start due to the fan voting.

Forwards -- Cleveland's LeBron James and Boston's Kevin Garnett

James has always been a special offensive player since coming into the league, but this year he's been just as good on the defensive end. His effort in blocking shots and playing solid defense has rubbed off on his teammates and made the Cavaliers a serious title contender.

Garnett already won his NBA ring last season, but he's a major reason the Celtics may be on their way to another title. Garnett's numbers aren't as gaudy as some other Eastern Conference forwards, but he's still averaging 16.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Simply put, he's the best player on, arguably, the NBA's best team.

Center -- Orlando's Dwight Howard

The fans have this one right. Howard may well get the most votes of any player for the All-Star game -- with good reason. Forget Yao or Shaq, Howard is now the NBA's top center and the Magic are legitimate contenders because of that fact. Howard is averaging 13.9 boards and 3.2 blocked shots along with 20.3 points per game for the Southeast Division leaders.

Eastern Conference substitutes -- While fans don't get to vote for these, here are the seven players who deserve to be selected by the coaches as All-Star reserves:

Guards: Joe Johnson (Atlanta), Jose Calderon (Toronto) and Danny Granger (Indiana)

Forwards: Chris Bosh (Toronto), Paul Pierce (Boston) and Antawn Jamison (Washington).

Center: David Lee (New York).

Western CONFERENCE

Guards -- Kobe Bryant of the L.A. Lakers and New Orleans' Chris Paul

Bryant's scoring average is his lowest since the 2003-04 season, but that shows that he has more confidence in his teammates than he has had in a long time. Plus, he's still scoring 27.2 points per game, making him currently third in the league in scoring behind Wade and James.

Paul, meanwhile, just continues to get better. Last week he posted a near quadruple double against the Mavs, scoring 33 points with 11 assists, 10 rebounds and seven steals. He's averaging 20.7 points and 11.1 assists per game and, thanks in large part to Deron Williams' injury and recovery, is clearly the top point guard in the NBA so far this year.

Forwards -- San Antonio's Tim Duncan and Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki

Duncan is automatic. He's not flashy, but he continues to get the job done every year on one of the NBA's best teams. This season has been no different, which is why he deserves to start for the West once again.

The fans will choose Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire or Houston's Ron Artest for the other starting forward spot in a tight three-player race. All are having good years, but the most deserving starter is Nowitzki. The former league MVP's 25.6-point average is his most in four years and he's pulling down 8.7 boards per game, too.

Center -- Minnesota's Al Jefferson

Yao Ming will win the voting followed by Shaquille O'Neal, but isn't it time for some new blood here? Sure, Jefferson plays on an awful team, but his 22.2 points and 10.5 rebounds per game are better in both categories than Yao and O'Neal. Besides, Jefferson would be thrilled to be at the All-Star Game. It's old hat for the other two.

Western Conference substitutes:

Guards: Brandon Roy (Portland), Chauncey Billups (Denver) and Deron Williams (Utah)

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Denver), Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix) and Pau Gasol (Lakers)

Center: Yao Ming (Houston) E-mail: lojo@desnews.com