ALL STAR RESERVES!!!
I have a big problem with Josh Smith not being chosen over Pierce. I also have a problem with Deron Williams being chosen over Rondo. It just doesn't make sense when a guy is playing really good ball and is WINNING and is still snubbed for someone putting up stats on a lower ranked team. /endrant
First thing I thought when I saw the list was "where's J-Smooth" I want him in the game for the theatrics of it, besides the fact he's deserved it before but glad to see Iggy in there (first Arizona player since Gilbert) . Glad to see Nash still in there, he certainly deserves it
I'm not a huge fan, but I think Monta got snubbed.
Gallo and Lawson were both deserving, but there really aren't enough spaces, I mean if you take Nash out you could put Lowry or Lawson there.
Dirk shouldn't of made it, but then you have Gallo, Jefferson, Gay, or Millsap to fill that spot. Somebody has to get left out.
Luol Deng? 16pts and 7rebs? I mean, I know he's a good defensive player and a huge piece for the Bulls but I'm not sure how 16-7 makes it to the All-Star game. He's nowhere near the top in terms of small forwards. How is he better than Josh Smith or Danny Granger? Not to mention, he's played about 2/3s of the shortened season.
The fact that monta keeps missing All Star games is ridiculous. I'd put him at second at his position behind "only" Kobe right now. No one is as down to business as he is on the court, extremely level headed. With well over 6 apg he plays with his head up too.... Come on people..
@JaeEvolution - No way does Rondo deserve it. Sorry but Irving deserved it over him if you are talking about borderline players. We don't have to go by any numbers other than games played, and Rondo has played in 16 and Williams 26, AND his other numbers are better. In a shortened season like this, Rondo has no business on the all-star team. The coaches got it right.
Hibbert deserved to make it as well as Anderson Varejao and possibly Monroe, but you can only put one of them on the team, and Indiana has by far the best record of the 3 teams. Deng and Smith are basically a toss up in my view and because of that, you go with the team that has the best record in the conference (5 more wins and 3 less losses than Atlanta). Same comparison can be made when comparing Deng vs. Granger.
Damn, no Kyle Lowry ! I really changed my mind about him and felt like he should've made it. My 5 biggest snubs:
1. Al Jefferson: 18.5 PPG, 8.9 RPG and 1.6 BPG at one of the weakest positions on one of the most surprising teams in the league.
2. Kyle Lowry: 14.8 PPG, 7.9 APG, 5.8 RPG, 2 SPG. A do everything PG who can attack the basket, pass, rebound and defend.
3. Monta Ellis: 22.6 PPG, 6.3 APG, 1.8 SPG. I finally thought this was the year Monta would make it. His team still sucks but he has the ability to keep them in games almost single handedly. His scoring is down a little bit from the previous couple of years but his assists are higher than ever.
4. Josh Smith: 15.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2 BPG, 1.5 SPG. With the lack of All-Star lock PFs in the East I figured Smith would be a shoe in with his stat stuffing ways. With KG getting older it's time to start appreciating him as the best defensive 4 in the game.
5. Rudy Gay: 18.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.8 SPG. With ZBo out Gay has had to shoulder more of the load for the Grizz but at least Marc Gasol got a well deserved spot.
I am happy for those that got in, but J-Smoove's snubs are starting to become routine. The argument is always that there are not enough spots, but somebody needs to give way. Smith needs some recognition for what he does.....which just happens to be everything for the Hawks. Happy for Deng though, but other than Nowitzki I have no problems with the reserves.
Ellis wont get in until his team starts winning, simple as that. I did think Lowry deserved the nod over Nash though, but it wasnt a criminal omition.
Tongue Out- Yes, Luol Deng is just as good as granger or Smith. Deng has been the 2nd best player on the team that has been best in the league the past 2 years. He is an elite defender, and the fact his numbers aren't quite on par with Granger or Smith don't mean he isn't as good. Iggy is a much more questionable selection.
Kevin Love selected to All-Star team
Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Russell Westbrook headlined the reserves for the Western Conference All-Star team.
Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, Steve Nash and Marc Gasol rounded out the West roster, which was announced Thursday.
Chris Bosh joined Miami teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade on the East All-Star roster.
Joe Johnson, Roy Hibbert, Paul Pierce, Deron Williams, Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala were also chosen as reserves for the Eastern squad.