The NBA recently announced changes to the All-Star ballot that will eliminate the center position in an effort to open spots for more deserving players as the center pool of talent continues to shrink.

Roy Hibbert was not voted in last season but earned his way onto the Eastern Conference All-Star team as a reserve. But he did receive preferential treatment since the coaches selecting the reserves had include at least one additional center, as Chris Bernucca explains.

According to a league spokesman, coaches will have the same flexibility in selecting reserves.

Previously, coaches - in addition to not selecting any of their own players - were required to choose two guards, two forwards, a center and two players regardless of position. Now they will choose two guards, three frontcourt players and two other players.

Why not just wipe out all of the positions? The coaches choosing the reserves can adjust to include the types of players they need if the starters selected don't include enough bigs or guards.

Oh, well, for now Roy Hibbert can claim to be the last of a dying breed, the All-Star center. Next time he makes the team, Hibby will just be an All-Star. That will be cool.

Here are the links:

• Indiana Native Miles Plumlee Back Home Again | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
• Pacers preseason progress report | 1070 The Fan – Opinion & Analysis
• Pacers deliver meals to those in need - WISH-TV
• NBA to change All-Star ballot, eliminating center | NBA.com
• NBA All-Star ballot changed - SheridanHoops.com
• How NBA Star Roy Hibbert Wins the Internet
• Danny Granger Reflects on Losing to Miami and Still Being an Underdog | Eight Points, Nine Seconds
• Old-school Celtics seek fresh identity for another title run | NBA.com
• 2013 NBA Championship Odds and Betting Preview: Indiana Pacers - News - Stories - Pregame.com
• Can Gerald Green Dunking on People Be the Pacers' New Offense? - The Triangle Blog - Grantland