"Andris Biedrins has a chance to catch Yao Ming in the fan balloting that determines the Western Conference's starting center for this year's All-Star Game in Phoenix.

But that's only if the population of Latvia increases by about a billion or so people during the next three weeks.

Otherwise, this season, and every other season that Yao is in the NBA, Biedrins and other centers in the West will likely have to rely on being named a reserve to be included in the annual showcase event.

And this year, the 22-year-old Latvian is actually making a pretty good case. Biedrins is averaging 14.2 points and 11.9 rebounds through the Warriors' first 35 games. He has 20 double-doubles, most for any center in the Western Conference, and his 55.0 field goal percentage going into tonight's game at Utah ranks 10th in the NBA for all players.

The starters for the All-Star Game will be announced Jan. 22, with the seven reserves (two guards, two forwards, one center and two players of any position) named a week later.

Head coaches pick the reserves for their own conferences, and they are not allowed to vote for their own players.

"It means a lot already to have people even talking about me as a candidate," Biedrins said. "That's already a big accomplishment, and it's nice to hear people talking and saying that you're playing great.""