Slow start may have kept more Celtics from becoming All-Stars

The Celtics are blaming their poor start on the fact that only one of their players has made the Eastern Conference All-Star team.

Paul Pierce will be making his 10th appearance in the game, while Kevin Garnett is stuck at 14 and Ray Allen at 10. Rajon Rondo has gone twice.

The better teams generally get more representatives, and the Celtics believe their 4-8 start is a factor. They recently won nine of 10 games, though they dropped a second in as many nights Friday, falling 86-74 in Toronto.

"We didn't get out of the box great, so our record plays a part in the decision-making," said Allen, who goes against the Bulls on Sunday afternoon in Boston. "When all four of us went, we had one of the best records in the league."

While the fans choose the game's starters, coached vote for the reserves. Doc Rivers admitted that win totals influence his ballot.

"I usually try to look at the records and how teams are playing," he said. "If it's close, I'm going with the better record."

He believes the Celtics' poor beginning played into the decision of others to send just Pierce.

"Yeah, I do," Rivers said. "I thought that hurt a couple of our guys especially. I mean, now we're playing well, but, again, the voting was so quick. And if you miss five games or a week..."

Garnett insists he isn't disappointed to be left off the team.

"Not at all," he said. "The All-Star Game is for the privileged. I haven't even looked at the list (of All-Stars), but the first-timers, I'm always proud for them to get the opportunity to go and experience the All-Star festivities. Lord knows I've had enough.

"So I get to actually take me a vacation and see what that's like and actually rest these bones a little bit. I'll be watching at home."

Allen, Garnett and Tim Duncan will be noticeable by their absence.

"They're getting older," said Rivers. "It's just (that) times change. It happens."

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