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Parker on the Outside Looking In

There is no arguing that Tony Parker deserves a spot on the Western All Star team. However, with the roster for the west being crowded with big names like Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Tracy McGrady it looks like Parker is facing stiff competition. Tony?s right to the berth isn?t clear cut, but it is cut. Cut of an amazing .534 shooting percentage that is exceeded only by Kevin Garnett among the NBA?s top 40 scorers. When an outstanding player dominates in a major category, that?s his ?in? to the game.

The Spurs? current three-game split of opponents Phoenix, New Jersey, and Detroit marks a tough mini-series of games that highlights Tony Parker?s readiness for an All-Star berth. The Suns? Steve Nash, the Nets? Jason Kidd, and the Pistons? Chauncey Billups already are where Parker wants to go, and more

Tony?s three rivals these last few days are not just All-Stars but current and former MVP candidates. Nash even won the award last season. The universe is in balance though. Tony has won the ring ? has two of them. His dynamic counterparts combined have one.