Only the finest athletes should partake in All-Star weekend

on't even think about bothering me this weekend.\nEvery year at this time, the NBA selects the finest performers of the first half of its season and allows them to display their talent in front of everyone in a cultivating atmosphere. This year is no exception.\nI will be glued to my couch beginning Saturday night, so I can see all of the NBA's best. Legendary dunkers such as Desmond Mason and DeShawn Stevenson. Deadly shooters such as Steve Nash and Rashard Lewis. And, of course, what would an All-Star Weekend be without the most exciting minute in sports, NBA 2Ball? Personally, I give the early edge to Trajan Langdon and Eva Nemcova.\nSensing the sarcasm?\nOK, so maybe they aren't household names. But what choice is there? It's not like NBA executives have the option of displaying better talent. Who would want to watch perhaps the most exciting dunker ever in Vince Carter? Just because he is the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers doesn't mean Reggie Miller is good enough for this year's shootout.\nWhat ever happened to the "stars coming out to shine?" Why do we have to be subjected to watching young players who have no effect on the league do dunks we have already seen a thousand times? What is the fun of watching two players compete in a glorified game of Horse? \nIt's all a part of the NBA's marketing strategy. Through expansion and the lack of a minor league, the NBA has begun to ruin itself by allowing this mediocre talent in. It is trying to promote these average players by giving them the chance to perform on a national stage.\nThe funny part is that, although the NBA is promoting these players instead of the bona fide talent, we won't see them again for awhile. Most of the B-level talent seen this weekend comes from teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks and Vancouver Grizzlies -- teams the NBA would rather part with than show to a national audience. \nEven three-point shootout contestant Ray Allen, who is a household name and worth promoting, plays in Milwaukee. And while the Bucks lead the Central Division and have a legitimate shot at competing in the finals, the NBA (and NBC and the Turner networks) would rather televise the Lakers and 76ers for the umpteenth time in a row.\nThe bottom line is if the NBA wants to promote these young stars, it should do it in earnest. What is the point in continuing expansion if only eight or 10 teams can ever be seen? \nAnd as far as the All-Star weekend goes, it is not the place to display these unknown players. Other legitimate stars have battled hard and accomplished more, and for the league to bypass them for marketing is a slap in the face.\nBut at least I can have peace of mind watching the All-Star game itself, because like most fans, I know that endorsing Sprite is a tough thing to do, and anyone who can will get my vote any day.