Which Ray Will Get the All-Star Nod?

via NBA.com

On the basis of stats, I’d give Felton the slight leg up. But what about intangibles? Ah, here it gets tricky. Allen is part of the defending conference champs and Boston currently leads the East. Winning has to count for something. The Knicks are mired in a bit of a slump, but they are in the playoff picture, checking in at sixth and have made pro basketball at Madison Square Garden relevant again. That can’t be discounted in the world’s largest media market.

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The above snippet is taken from an interesting read from Art Garcia highlighting a choice NBA coaches may be faced with in the coming weeks: Raymond Felton or Ray Allen for a spot on the All-Star team. Which "Ray" will they choose?

While neither will start, the race for perhaps what will be the Eastern Conference All-Star team's final spot is tight. Though Garcia does give Felton the advantage regardless, it cannot be ignored that if Felton (and the Knicks) weren't in the midst of a slump, it may be an even easier decision.

With Carmelo Anthony not (yet, perhaps) donning orange and blue, Felton has stepped up this season as Amar'e Stoudemire's partner in crime as the two continue their quest to reignite New York City with hope for basketball success. As of the official midway point of the NBA season, he is averaging 17.6 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.8 steals.

Allen, the well respected veteran and already nine-time all-star, has averaged 17.5 points and hit nearly 47% of his three point shots this season as he's helped lead the Celtics to an Eastern Conference-leading 32-9 record.

With Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo already likely to occupy All-Star roster spots at the point-guard position, Felton will have to pick up the pace again if he wants to regain momentum for a spot of his own.

As Garcia begins to allude, helping carry his team to some extra victories along the way will certainly aid Felton's case. In 2006, the then 40-8 Detroit Pistons saw four of their key players reach All-Star status, as Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and Rasheed Wallace were all selected to represent the Eastern Conference.

Felton and the Knicks will look to break out of their slump as the team visits San Antonio to take on the Spurs, a team they have already beaten this season.