The only way Monta could have got in would have been at the expense of either Westbrook, Nash or Parker!
Nash and Parker are more than just scorers.... they are leaders! When TP has a 40 pt game, the Spurs come away with a win because he drives the rest of the team at the same time. Nash is very much the same.
Monta has been explosive this year, but has also shown some of weaknesses at he same time. I think not making it this year will do him good and make him work on the few things he still needs to so he can be an all-star next yer.
Dirk hasn't played well in a fair few games this year, but neither have the rest of the Mavs. He is still, IMO, the hardest forward in the league to match up on as well as having the most undefendable (if that's a word) jump shot in the NBA! There are very few people that have ever had a jump shot as sweet as Dirk's, especially as a 7 footer!!!