NBA All-Star Game: Reserves Announced, So Who Got Snubbed?
The NBA has released the names of the players who have made it to this season's All-Star game as reserves.
Western Conference
Pau Gasol, PF Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook, PG Oklahoma City Thunder, Blake Griffin, PF Los Angeles Clippers, Tim Duncan, PF San Antonio Spurs, Manu Ginobili, SG San Antonio Spurs, Dirk Nowitzki, PF Dallas Mavericks, Deron Williams, PG Utah Jazz
While this group of talented players overall represent a very solid selection, I have one major gripe here.
Where is my man Kevin Love?
As a good friend once said to me, "this is the all-star game, not the lifetime achievement awards," and he's right. Why is Tim Duncan among the reserves selected?
He's averaging career lows across the board, and despite the Spurs impressive record, he doesn't deserve to be in this game more than the NBA's leading rebounder.
On the flip side, it's nice to see Griffin on the team. There were some grumblings that he may not make it because he is a rookie, but so what? This kid is among the best power forwards in the game right now, and he's a slam dunk for a highlight every time the Clippers play.
It's amazing what a talented crop of power forwards there are in the Western Conference. Zach Randolph, LaMarcus Aldridge and Lamar Odom were all among the notable snubs left off the roster.
Unfortunately, neither Randolph nor Aldridge garner enough attention on a national scale to warrant serious consideration, and Odom in a sixth-man role isn't the sexy starter that the league craves.
Eastern Conference
Kevin Garnett, PF Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, SF Boston Celtics, Rajon Rondo, PG Boston Celtics, Ray Allen, SG Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh, PF Miami Heat, Al Horford, C Atlanta Hawks, Joe Johnson, SG Atlanta Hawks
Among the reserves, a record-tying four teammates make it from the Celtics, but can you really disrespect these choices?
With Allen enjoying a rejuvenation after signing a new deal to remain with the Celtics and both Pierce and Garnett playing at high levels, none of their selections are surprising.
The only one that has me raising my eyebrow is Rondo because he missed so much time, but the kid is an absolute magician with the rock in his hands and probably warrants a spot.
It's nice to see that Al Horford is getting the recognition that he deserves after playing at such a high level this season. He deservedly makes the team and is one of the league's brightest young stars.
It's interesting to note that Joe Johnson got the nod over teammate PF Josh Smith, but with Garnett, Bosh and Horford, the team probably felt it had enough length off the bench.
Beyond Smith, PG Raymond Felton and maybe Carlos Boozer were worthy, but a very good job with the selections in the East.
