The Mavericks big German will make his 11th straight All-Star game this season. Despite averaging career lows since his rookie season (FG%, 3FG%, Points), the Coaches around the association voted Dirk in to represent the 2010-2011 World Champs within the main event.
Although Dirk Nowitzki has made 11 appearances, he was never named an All-Star starter throughout his career.
Last week, Rob Mahoney said Dirk's slow start should cost him the All-Star berth and Dirk agreed, but Marc Stein mentioned on the Ben & Skin show that Dirk would have no choice. Players like him have always received the benefit of the doubt and have been voted in because of their reputation. He also mentioned the NBA Champs shouldn't be left out of the All-Star Game.
Turns out that Marc Stein was right. It can be questioned if Dirk is too thrilled about the nomination, because he could have used that weekend off and surely wanted to send a message to coaches not to select him with his statement.
Anyway: Congrats and don't play too much!
As Mark Followill noted, it's the 7th time in NBA history that the defending Champ has had one All-Star representative.
The complete roster can be found here.