Typically, society allocates resources and honors to those who want them most.
This is true for our economic systems which are derived from the concept of “utility”, and it’s typically true in sport.
However, in the case of Jose Calderon, I propose that the NBA and its fanbase contradict the aforementioned principle.
Jose Calderon deserves to be an All-Star—or at least to be recognized as being of All-Star caliber—because he wants it the least.
In his recent blog (scroll down), Gilbert Arenas attacks all backers of Calderon who have claimed over the past months that the Spanish Fly is worthy of All-Star status.
Arenas first claims that Calderon’s league-leading assist-to-turnover ratio isn’t a statistic worth notice. He then claims that Antawn Jamison is more deserving of the All-Star nod because he averages a double-double.
Finally, Agent Zero adds that he feels Calderon shouldn’t be on the All-Star team this year because Arenas didn’t make the team a couple years back when he was averaging a whopping 29 points, five assists, and five rebounds per game.
What Arenas failed to realize during his rant is that all of these statistical arguments are irrelevant.
Jose Calderon is an All-Star because he doesn’t care about statistics. Calderon’s one and only goal as the Toronto Raptors’ floor-general is leading his team to a successful season and ultimately a championship. He fails to value individual accolades (such as All-Star appearances). For this he must be commended.
How many “borderline All-Stars” have emotions of complete indifference when it comes to starting games and floor time? How many proven stars are happy to share the point guard spotlight with another player, TJ Ford, because they know Ford’s contributions can help the team perform better?
And Calderon is a restricted free agent at the end of this season! Most players try to rack up their stats to increase their market value in such a situation (*cough* Mike James *cough*).
Jose Calderon’s market value and All-Star worthiness should not be based on his stats (although they are damn good stats).
To quote Mr. Arenas: “An All-Star is an All-Star! He’s playing at a high level. That means, if you take him off the team, that team should fall down if he’s that one guy.”
If Calderon were removed from the Raptors’ roster, they would fall down. It is his selfless attitude that strengthens and kick-starts their incredible team chemistry. As the Knicks have shown us, team chemistry and personal sacrifice are pretty darn important when it comes to wins and losses.
And as Arenas has himself shown us: 29 points, five assists, and five rebounds does not equal, “If you take him off the team, that team should fall down.”
9 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Yes! You tell them! Jose is an incredible asset to the Raptors for exactly the reasons you stated. His number one goal everyday is winning. He is completely unselfish and has done absolutely nothing to push himself into the All-Stars like many selfish players would be doing. If you watch his game day in and day out you can tell how well he plays.
He definitely deserves to be on the All-Star team! Any player that says otherwise is extremely jealous and that includes Arenas. If you have to blog about reasons another player shouldn't get in, it's obvious you're a sore loser.
Edit Comment Cancel
Sean Roach about 1 year ago
i still dont understand why arenas cares so much about if Jose should or shouldn't be in the allstar game. Why does he care so much? it's not like everyone is saying that Jose should be taking gilbert's spot.
Edit Comment Cancel
Jordan Alexander about 1 year ago
I wanted both Calderon and Turkoglu on the team. They're both well-deserving. Awesome article
Edit Comment Cancel
Allan Wexler about 1 year ago
Jose's stats are great and his performance has been equally impressive, but he was not even the starter until TJ Ford was injured, (December 11, 2007) resulting in Jose taking over at the point. While he has been tremendous, guys who have been starting for less than 2 months are rarely All Star material although their performance has been outstanding. I trust that if Jose continues to play at this level over the next year, he will be playing in the All Star game in 2009. Instead, let him enjoy a few days in the Bahamas while his body rests from the energy he has provided so far.
Edit Comment Cancel
Garth moore about 1 year ago
I don't know why this is such a surprise, Gilbert has been and always will be a big baby. Despite what anyone says the Wizards are playing better without him. I wonder if he realizes that...HMMM!!??
Edit Comment Cancel
kear Koon about 1 year ago
The fact of the matter if Arenas judges Calderon's play so much, maybe he should focus on his own play in the 8 games he's played this year his stats are his lowest in almost 5 years, and instead of blogging about Calderon not being All-Star Material he should work on his muscle training so he can learn how to shut his big fat mouth. And oh yeah isnt your team better without you, some prety strong comments from a player who thinks hes an all star but will always get injured adn never play.PUssy
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
If Jose doesn't care about stats as much as you're saying he doesn't, then he probably won't care about not making the All-Star game either.
Edit Comment Cancel
Mitch Thompson about 1 year ago
read fourth sentence of article
Edit Comment Cancel
Anonymous about 1 year ago
Arenas is just a baby. I was wondering the whole time while reading his blog two weeks ago "Why does Arenas care whether or not Calderon is an all-star or not?" How does that affect Arenas and why is he even opening his mouth?
The last sentence is correct. Take Calderon out (while Ford was out) and the Raptors would be where the Heat are. Take Arenas out and Wizards would suck...wait they're actually doing as well as they were last year...wait they're actually better. What does that say about Arena's importance to his team?
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.