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The first set of balloting is for the 2009 NBA All-Star game and surprisingly, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard is the overall top vote getter thus far. It's surprising not because Howard isn't a great player, he is. But, when you're in the same professional sports league with the likes of super popular players, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant - let's admit it, this event is a popularity contest - it's amazing to see Howard at the top of the charts. But, then again, how do you deny Superman and his stardom from taking off? You apparently don't.

So, how does the balloting work? One hundred twenty players – 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences – are listed on the NBA All-Star ballot. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center from each conference. The 120 players on the ballot were selected by a panel of media experts who regularly cover the NBA. This year’s panel included Paul Coro (Arizona Republic), Ernie Johnson (TNT), Jack McCallum (Sports Illustrated), David Moore (Dallas Morning News), Marc Spears (Boston Globe) and Marc Stein (ESPN.com).

2009 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING - First Returns - EASTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 643,786; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 495,514; Yi Jianlian (NJ) 356,556; Chris Bosh (Tor) 274,195; Paul Pierce (Bos) 153,512; Shawn Marion (Mia) 144,066; Josh Smith (Atl) 59,574; Tayshaun Prince (Det) 56,846; Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) 56,006; Danny Granger (Ind) 49,752; Michael Beasley (Mia) 48,999.

Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 623,311; Allen Iverson (Det) 492,093; Vince Carter (NJ) 236,634; Ray Allen (Bos) 174,155; Jose Calderon (Tor) 124,705; Luke Ridnour (Mil) 123,104; Jameer Nelson (Orl) 116,228; Derrick Rose (Chi) 102,263; Joe Johnson (Atl) 94,847; Devin Harris (NJ) 94, 294; Gilbert Arenas (Wash) 64,450.

Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 775;933; Samuel Dalembert (Phi) 116,708; Rasheed Wallace (Det) 88,885; Jermaine O’Neal (Tor) 75,324; Al Horford (Atl) 45,284; Ben Wallace (Clev) 40,799; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 36,479; Zyrdrunas Ilgauskas (Clev) 28,022; Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 24,777; Emeka Okafor (Char) 15,323.

2009 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING - First Returns - WESTERN CONFERENCE

Forwards: Tim Duncan (SA) 442,203; Amar’e Stoudemire (Pho) 370,470; Carmelo Anthony (Den) 327,233; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 261,952; Pau Gasol (LAL) 260,374; Ron Artest (Hou) 214,063; Bruce Bowen (SA) 121,739; Shane Battier (Hou) 115,981; Josh Howard (Dal) 113,456; Luis Scola (Hou) 82,344; Lamar Odom (LAL) 78,422.

Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 719,252; Chris Paul (NO) 406,220; Tracy McGrady (332,222); Manu Ginobili (SA) 166,981; Jason Kidd (Dal) 162,286; Tony Parker (SA) 161,638; Steve Nash (Pho) 142,410; Jason Terry (Dal) 105,345; Chauncey Billups (Den) 87,172; Brandon Roy (Por) 78,071; Rafer Alston (Hou) 73,613.

Centers: Yao Ming (Hou) 529,290; Shaquille O’Neal (Pho) 227,273; Mehmet Okur (Utah) 162,139; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 155,689; Greg Oden (Por) 71,366; Andris Biedrins (GS) 65,496; Al Jefferson (Minn) 46,242; Tyson Chandler (NO) 39,467; Marcus Camby (LAC) 25,824; Chris Kaman (LAC) 9,104; Brad Miller (Sac) 6,892.
The 58th NBA All-Star Game will be played in Phoenix on Sunday, Feb. 15. The game will air live on TNT, ESPN Radio and in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.