Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose was named as a starter on the Eastern Conference roster for the 2012 NBA All Star Game, as the league announced on Thursday. The reigning MVP also started at guard for the East in last year's game while leading one of the NBA's best teams.
Overall, Rose received 1,514,723 votes from the public, with only Orlando's Dwight Howard and Los Angeles' Kobe Bryant landing more votes. Joining him in the Eastern Conference backcourt is Miami's Dwyane Wade, with Howard, New York's Carmelo Anthony and Miami's LeBron James filling out the starting lineup.
This is the third All Star appearance for Rose, who also appeared in the 2010 All Star Game as a reserve. In 19 games with Chicago this season, Rose has averaged 23.1 points and 7.7 assists while keying a team that's thrived even with numerous absences from key players.
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