The New Jersey Nets' leading scorer, Carter trailed Iverson and Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade when the league released the first balloting return two weeks ago.

    But Iverson, who was sitting idly on the trading block at the time, has since undergone a dramatic change. The four-time scoring champion was eliminated from the Eastern ballot after being dealt to the Nuggets on December 20.

    The reigning NBA Finals MVP, Wade has collected 983,321 votes, well ahead of Carter's 726,040. Washington's Gilbert Arenas and New Jersey's Jason Kidd are third and fourth, respectively.

    Cleveland Cavaliers star forward LeBron James leads all East players with 1,323,989 votes.

    Toronto power forward Chris Bosh is a distant second with 497,283 and owns a slight advantage over Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal (437,164).

    Miami center Shaquille O'Neal, out since November 12 with a knee injury, has received 855,544 votes. Orlando Magic youngster Dwight Howard is second among East centers with 665,434.

    The starters will be announced January 25 and reserves - selected by coaches in each conference - will be revealed February 1.