We're about halfway through the NBA season now and guess what time it is; yes the 2012 All Stars have been announced.

The 2012 All Star game will be the 61st All Star game and it will be held in the beautiful city of Orlando this year. As you know, there are always plenty of headlines surrounding the surprises, snubs, first time all stars, and even the player with the most votes.

This year we have some familiar faces including Kobe Bryant, Derrick Rose, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade and some many others. Dwight Howard was the leading vote-getter this year with over 1,600,000 votes. 

But how about some surprises. Sensational athletic forward Blake Griffin is making his first NBA All Star Game start and this is also his 2nd selection after being selected as a rookie. He beat out some pretty talented forwards for that starting position in the Western Conference including rebounding phenom Kevin Love, Pau Gasol, and Lamarcus Aldridge.

For all of you that curious; Blake Griffin is more than just an ESPN highlight reel. He is a tremendously skilled player. He is averaging close to 22 points and 12 rebounds a game. But enough about the surprising starters this year. How about the snubs?

Six-time All Star Chris Bosh isn't a starter? Well he is a shadow behind two superstars in South Beach so I guess that may of hurt his votes. But let's look at the stats; he is still averaging about 20 and 8 per game.

How about some Western Conference snubs. Kevin Love, the rebounding machine could have easily made a case as a starter. He is averaging about 25 points and 13 rebounds a game. Those numbers are insane.

But even Pau Gasol could of made a case. I know many people look at Pau Gasol as "soft big man" but let's face it; the guy is skilled and fundamental. But when fans vote; they aren't looking at fundamentals but they want to see alley oops and plenty of points on the scoreboard.

How about some people who shouldn't be starters. How about Carmelo Anthony? Yes he is a third in the league in scoring but his numbers are down compared to previous seasons and the Knicks are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Some argue that Chris Bosh should of had that starting forward spot. But the constant debate about NBA All Star weekend is what makes it so exciting.

Regardless, millions of fans worldwide will tune in on February 26th to watch the best players in the league put on a show.