The Consolation Prize Fun Team

This week the NBA released the All-Star teams for the East and West. In response, I have put together my own team of guys who are not All-Stars. The Consolation Prize Fun Team. My criteria were simple: which remaining players would make a team most fun to watch?

Point Guards: Jeremy Lin, Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio

Jeremy Lin has saved New York's season. The undrafted, Asian-American Harvard graduate has defied all odds and shocked the NBA. Last night he out-dueled Kobe Bryant. Though he has only started four games this season and has turned the ball over due to his lack of experience, Lin does have the Harvard learning curve to his advantage. Not to mention Lin genuinely has fun playing basketball and a smile that lights up the room. What's not to like?

Brandon Jennings may have made the All-Star team if he had not been playing for a below-average Bucks team in the West. Jennings is a bit of a streaky shooter, but his ability to turn it on and drain three-pointers puts him on this team.

Ricky Rubio has lived up to the hype. The Spanish-born distributor is averaging almost nine assists per game for Minnesota. In his rookie season, he and Kevin Love have given the Timberwolves hope for the future. His flashy passing makes him a shoe-in for the Fun Team.

Shooting Guards: Rudy Gay, Monta Ellis

Rudy Gay makes this team because I think he deserved to be an All-Star. Gay has kept Memphis' playoff hopes alive despite the injury to Zach Randolph. But by no means is Gay not fun. The 6'8" guard can make fade away shots like Kobe and throw down dunks like Blake Griffin. Just ask LeBron.

Monta Ellis is another victim of being on a bad team. But Ellis is a hybrid guard who can slash to the rim and make the tough shots. Ellis is the only reason I would watch Golden State play, and he is a bright future star for the NBA.

Small Forward: James Harden

James Harden is a great player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The sixth-man of the year candidate has given the Thunder a solid third option behing Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook. But let's be honest, Harden is on this team because of his beard. It is up there with Brian Wilson as the best facial hair in sports. 

Power Forwards: Josh Smith, Gustavo Ayon

Josh Smith has been a highlight machine for Atlanta. Smith has the talent and athleticism to make him a poor man's Blake Griffin. Smith's long range game is still in the works, but he is powerful big man who can also contribute on the defensive side. He makes the Fun Team so the point guards have someone to throw the alley-oops to.

Gustavo Ayon is just fun. He does not put up the best numbers, but he is scarily efficient and plays hard. Ayon has given the Hornets fan a glimmer of light in their dark season. The Goose gets a spot on the Fun Team because of his nickname and because the Hornets need some representation.

Centers: DeAndre Jordan, Paul Millsap

DeAndre Jordan is Blake Griffin's partner in crime. Jordan is one of the most athletic centers in the game and is known for his huge blocks and dunks for the Clippers. Nothing would make me more excited than getting to watch Ricky Rubio lob to Jordan and Josh Smith all night, so Jordan is an easy pick for the Fun squad.

Paul Millsap has been one of the most fun guys to watch in the NBA the past few years. He does not make the Sports Center highlight reel often, but the undersized (6'8") center has been a rebounding machine. Millsap is another guy I think was snubbed from the All-Star team, but he can have a spot on my Fun Team any day.

I would not bet any money that this team could beat the All-Stars, but putting these guys on the same court would be spectacle I would not soon forget.