Fans have reason to cheer as the NBA season heads into its second half. There are a few surprise teams in Atlanta and Phoenix, but the main reason for excitement is the fast-approaching NBA All-Star game.

The All-Star game has long been a favorite all-star event of any of the big four sports—basketball, football, hockey, baseball—because of the dunk contest and three point shootout, among other events that accompany the game during the weekend. However, the actual game may be heading in the wrong direction this season.

The problem is Allen Iverson. Fans voted for Iverson to be a starter for the Eastern Conference squad this season, despite the fact that he has only played in 22 games this season; three with Memphis Grizzlies and 19 games with the Philadelphia 76ers.

While I am one of Iverson’s biggest fans, I cannot agree with anyone who thinks he is more deserving than some of the players left off the Eastern squad, notably Atlanta Hawks’ Josh Smith.

Smith is the defensive anchor for a surging Atlanta Hawks team that currently sits third in a top-heavy Eastern Conference. Iverson is currently riding the bench on a 16-31 team that has no hope for the playoffs.

While Iverson may not even play in the game due to injury, the fact that he was voted to start by fans shows the game is not about talent, but popularity and celebrity.

It becomes clear that using fan votes to determine who is a starter in their respective conference is a horrible practice that needs to be stopped immediately if the All-Star game hopes to keep any shred of respectability.

Nonetheless, the All-Star game players actually care about winning and in the fourth quarter, one can witness some of the best basketball played.

With superstars Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and others competing, the NBA All-Star game should be a fun event to watch. The game, to be played in the new Dallas Cowboys’ stadium, is scheduled for Feb. 14.