Is the NBA Center an endangered species? Dwight Howard thinks so, as he tries to appeal for support following the omission of Centers in the All-Star Ballot. Hilarity aside, Howard actually does not concern himself with his popularity that will ultimately make him an All-Star starter.

He has been an All-star seven times, and started on six of them primarily because he was the best center. Now, the center position is not even in the All-Star Ballot.

Since last year, fans can only choose two ‘backcourt’ positions (not specific to point or shooting guard) and three frontcourt positions. As a result, both East and West All-Star starting teams are devoid of centers. Howard made a video spoof about that last year, and the message is still relevant this year: “Save The Center.”

In truth, Howard was not really too concerned. Howard can be an All-Star starter with another team, especially if he stayed with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he went to Houston for an entirely different purpose. Prior to the game against Memphis, Howard spoke to the media, from nba.com:

“I didn’t come to Houston to be a starter on the All-Star team. I came to help this team win a championship. So that’s my goal.I’m happy for all the guys that got voted in by the fans. The guys who started have had an unbelievable season so far to this point. So I’m excited to see those guys play.

I mean, of course, (there’s) a little disappointment with everything. But like I said, I want to win a championship. That’s why I’m here. Being an All-Star and being on the All-Star team is a bonus. It’s a blessing to be a part of that group. But my goal is win a championship. That’s what I’m here for. That’s why I came to Houston to do and that’s been my only goal since I’ve been here.
I haven’t written down anything about starting for the All-Star team, but I have written down winning a championship. So that’s what I want to do.”

D12 is focused on the championship, because his score right now reads: All Star starts – 6; Championship Rings – 0.