IMHO, it will be absolutely criminal if LaMarcus Aldridge doesn't make the All-Star game this year.
He's not flashy, which could hurt his chances, but that man is as steady a PF as they come...very solid defensively and offensively.
Perhaps the best offensive lowpost game out there among the young PFs (KLove, Grif). Solid lowpost defender, too with a 98 Drtg this year.
Certainly deserving of his first appearance.
My main issue with Aldridge is that he's a poor rebounder. Only 8 rebounds per game in big minutes. He also has a reputation for disappearing a bit late in games -- he's not totally comfortable as a go-to guy. I think he's really better suited for a 2nd-banana sort of role.
Still, I think Aldridge is a very good player. Normally, I don't think he'd get in, but with Dirk having an awful year so far, he should get in behind Love and Griffin.
Looking at center, I think Al Jefferson is deserving of a selection. I know fans will vote for somebody like Bynum, but as long as the Jazz are a top 8 team in the West, Big Al deserves recognition for putting up 19-8-2 -- better numbers than any center not named Dwight Howard.