NBA Rising Stars Challenge 2012: Breaking Down Game's Biggest Snubs

When I was in cub scouts, I once received a trophy for coming in last place in the Pinewood Derby.  The trophy seems a little condescending when I think about it now, but at the time, I thought it was a nice gesture.

Sadly, the NBA isn’t the first-grade Pinewood Derby, where everybody is a winner.  Just like cliques in high school, there are the popular kids and there are the unpopular kids. 

It’s safe to say that All-Star Weekend is for the popular kids.  Consider Jeremy Lin the Prom King.

The Rising Stars Challenge will be fun for those participating.  But for the rookies and sophomores who weren’t good enough to make the team, it’s like getting turned down by every girl at the homecoming dance.  Here are five players who deserved a spot in the Rising Stars Challenge, but instead, had their hearts broken by Chuck and Shaq.

Derrick Favors, F, Utah Jazz

Favors played in this game as a rookie, so not making it back as a sophomore must be pretty painful.  The worst part is that the Utah forward is actually having a better year in 2011-2012 (8.2 ppg) than he did as a rookie (6.8 ppg).  If you need a hug, I’m here for you Derrick.

Jordan Crawford, SG, Washington Wizards

The former Xavier standout looked like an All-Star Tuesday night in Portland (21 points, four assists).  It was a nice last-ditch effort but not enough to convince Charles or Shaq.  His 11.2 points per game is better than several of the players Charles and Shaq picked, but I guess the tribe has spoken.

Jimmer Fredette, PG, Sacramento Kings

What are Barkley and O’Neal thinking?  No, Jimmer isn’t scoring 25 points a game like he did at BYU.  But he is still a 38 percent three-point shooter.  It’s a shame Jimmer didn’t get the invite: he could have taught Shaq a thing or two about free-throw shooting.

Gary Neal, PG, San Antonio Spurs

For the second year in a row, Neal has made the most of his time on the court, tallying nine points per game in only about 22 minutes per contest.  Neal would be a starting point guard on many teams, but he’s not good enough for the Rookie/Sophomore game?  I don’t get it either.

Enes Kanter, F, Utah Jazz

I know defense and rebounding have never played a big role in the Rookie/Sophomore game, but doesn’t Kanter deserve a little credit for leading all rookies in rebounds per game?  Charles Barkley, of all people, should realize the importance of rebounding.  Seriously though, what do Chuck and Shaq have against the state of Utah?