The number-one pick of the 2006 draft is gradually accepting that role with the Raptors, as he was thrust into the leadership spotlight over the summer. The Italian has delivered on some fronts, notably as a scorer, but is he at the NBA's All-Star level yet?
Bargnani leads the Raptors by far on the offensive end, as he posts a 21.9 points-per-game average, ranking him amongst the top 15 scorers in the league. He's listed on the recently released NBA All-Star ballot for the 2011 game, but it's a question of clout when it comes to the elite Eastern Conference centers.
Does Bargnani have enough of it to earn a bid to his first All-Star Game appearance?
A vote of confidence in Bargnani's direction is the fact that he's led the Raptors to a respectable start considering their team was left in shambles after Bosh departed. Bargnani is far from perfect, but he's stepped into the leadership role admirably and led his team to four consecutive wins in the past week, including a 29-point effort against the Celtics on Sunday.
The Celtics will get another look at the center on Friday night, and the C's will again need to find someone to match up with his energetic presence. He's still considered a work in progress by head coach Jay Triano, but his role is incredibly important for the emergent Raptors.
Do you think Andrea Bargnani has what it takes to make the All-Star squad this season? Share your thoughts below.
Will Andrea Bargnani make his first NBA All-Star Team This Season?online surveys
