NBA All-Star Game 2012: Why Kevin Love Does Not Deserve to Be All-Star Starter

Despite having a great season, Kevin Love does not deserve to be an All-Star starter.

Yes, you could argue he is the best power forward in the league (I would). Yes, you could say that he is one of the biggest reasons the Minnesota Timberwolves are watchable again. And yes, he seems committed to winning in the Twin Cities.

However, that's not what the NBA All-Star game is about.

The All-Star game is left up to the fans. That's why the vote is open every day. As a homer, that's why I voted for Love and Ricky Rubio to start for the Western Conference (Rubio would be perfect for a game like this).

Nevertheless, outside of Minnesota, there aren't many people that would rather see Love instead of Blake Griffin.

These two are the future of the power forward position, but they aren't comparable when it comes to highlight reels. While Love has his own style of highlight, Griffin is an absolute monster.

It is fun to watch Love play. It is an experience to watch Griffin play.

Love would (and still will) do well in the All-Star Game. Griffin will do great.

When there is no defense and lobs galore, there is no reason Griffin shouldn't be getting the start.

Clearly, the fans want to see him. More importantly, he is more fun to watch than Love. It's as simple as that.

The All-Star Game isn't about competition (although that could change this year with the Olympics looming). It's about highlights.

Love competes. Griffin gets the highlights.

You could argue for days about which player is better. Love has a much more refined offensive game. Griffin brings much more excitement and energy to his team.

Pick either player for your team. You can't really lose.

With that said, there is an argument for Love.

Love has put up bigger numbers than Griffin (25/14 compared to 22/11). Love is more important to his team's success (Chris Paul makes the Los Angeles Clippers go). Finally, Love is playing with much less talent.

However, that doesn't mean Love deserves to be an All-Star starter. The fans clearly want to see Griffin and he is better-suited to put on a great show in this type of game.

So, even though you could argue that Love is the more deserving player, people want to see Griffin. In addition, Griffin can—and will—put on a show.

Therefore, Love has no business being an All-Star starter.