The definition of what it takes to be an NBA All-Star will change depending on who you ask. The selection of this season's Eastern Conference reserves will put that theory to the test as there are many players that deserve the honor of playing in the league's ultimate showcase.

Paul Pierce and Joe Johnson are no-brainers, while high-scoring Danny Granger is grasping to the hope that his offensive production has been good enough to overcome his team's poor record and earn him a trip to Phoenix. Situations like Granger's, along with the logjam of quality point guards, make the East All-Star selection process very difficult.

The conference's 15 head coaches had until 3 p.m. Tuesday to deliver their votes. I figured I would make a few picks of my own while we wait for the official announcement.

To fairly select the reserves, and make the player evaluation process easier, I decided that some type of criteria needed to be in place. My selections are, in no particular order, based on comparison by position, individual statistics, team record, performance and contributions to the team. I also wanted to do my best to stick to the standard format of picking two forwards, two guards, one center and two wild cards.  

My Eastern Conference reserves:

Small Forward: Paul Pierce, Celtics

Power Forward: Rashard Lewis, Magic

Shooting Guard: Joe Johnson, Hawks

Point Guard: Jameer Nelson, Magic

Center: Chris Bosh, Raptors

Wild Card: Ray Allen, Celtics

Wild Card: Josh Smith, Hawks

There are a few notable players that don't make my team, allow me to explain my reasoning for leaving them off.

There just aren't enough guard spots for Mike Bibby to make my All-Star team. He has been great for the Hawks, providing them with the production and leadership they've lacked from the point guard position. He just hasn't been better than Jameer Nelson. In a perfect world, Nelson would have been voted the starter and Bibby would be making his first All-Star appearance.

The All-Star case for Devin Harris is being built around the 26.3 points per game he put up during the first month of the season. He hasn't shown the same type of consistency that has earned Nelson a place on my All-Star team. Since getting off to that blistering start, Harris' numbers have dropped in each of the following months. His play is still All-Star worthy, but not as worthy as Nelson. Most would agree that he has proven that he will be an All-Star at some point, just not this season.

The decision to leave Mo Williams off the team wasn't a very difficult decision at all; I honestly think Bibby and Harris have more of a claim to one of the reserve spots. Williams' offensive numbers are down in each of the major offensive categories, something that has been lost in the Cavaliers' success. When comparing him to the other candidates it's hard to find anything other than his team's success that would make him a better choice. He hasn't played better than Nelson or Harris and has contributed less to his team's success than Bibby.

Danny Granger has played great, but I wouldn't be able to get a good night's sleep if rewarded him with an All-Star berth before the forwards I selected. Lewis and Smith have put up good numbers and helped their teams win games. It's certainly not Granger's fault the Pacers aren't very good. He's done his part, but isn't more deserving of an All-Star berth than either player. Based on their team's records, the choice shouldn't come down to Granger, Lewis or Smith, but rather between Granger and Bosh, as both of their teams are dwelling around 14th place.

In my opinion, there is only room for one guy on a losing team. However, I suspect the coaches will disagree with my thoughts and Lewis will be the deserving player left off the team.

Thursday's announcement of All-Star reserves will certainly cause a lot of debate. Without a real tried-and-true formula selecting the All-Stars can be a tricky process. The results of this year's vote may result in a few more snubs than we're accustomed to seeing.