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All-Star honors are no longer solely for the NBA's marquee names and highest-usage henchman.

Hypothetically speaking, anyway.

As the league gears up for Sunday's showcase in Los Angeles, let us not forget the small-sample studs who are doing serious work. They're not going nuclear on the box score, but they're leaving their marks and, in the process, making a case for more court time.

Before we begin, some ground rules will be implemented to ensure the sanctity of small-burst stardom.

Players must be getting fewer than 20 minutes per game to earn consideration. (Shabazz Napier, I am so sorry.) They also cannot be logging noticeably more than 20 over their last 15 tilts. Anything more, and they'll be sent on their way. (Sincerest condolences to Jarret Allen and Montrezl Harrell).

Candidates must also have a reasonable path to receiving more burn. Fred VanVleet has an airtight case to make the cut, even though he's recently been eclipsing the 20-minute plateau. But calling for more minutes on his behalf when fellow backcourtsmiths DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry and Delon Wright are all balling is just silly.

Veterans in deliberately bit roles will be similarly bounced from consideration. Nene (35) and David West (37) work so well in sub-15-minute capacities because they're ancient by basketball's standards. Expanding their run is akin to begging for trouble.

And finally, because building imaginary lineups is fun, this squad will be assembled in the image of an All-Star starting five: with two guards and three frontcourt players.

Not all heroes have to wear capes, so not all of the NBA's standout performers need to put extensive mileage on their branded footwear.