6 All-Star snubs in the making
Tyreke Evans (photo. Nicky Woo)
Back around Michael Myers Day, I listed six NBA players who came into this season with All-Star aspirations but would likely end up disappointed come All-Star announcement time. But as Biggie would say, things done changed.
Nearing the turn of the calendar and more than one quarter of the way through the season, there’s a new group guys who have been playing at an All-Star level and could make a solid argument to get on the squad, but have a better chance of landing on the “notable snubs” list. The new six…
LUOL DENG — Still the front-runner to get my vote for Most Improved, Deng (17.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg) has been Chicago’s best player for stretches during their underachieving campaign. In a hard-fought game against the Lakers earlier this week where the Bulls played their best basketball in a while before falling under Kobe’s 42, Deng was the guy keeping the Bulls in it down the stretch; then on Thursday night he put up 24 points, 13 boards and five assists in a win over New York. But there’s so much talent in the East at forward, with bigger names like KG, LeBron, Josh Smith, Pierce, Bosh, Rashard Lewis, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison — even Gerald Wallace and Michael Beasley are putting up good numbers — Deng has a lot of guys to outshine.
BRANDON JENNINGS — It’s too bad, too, because the All-Star Game is made for dudes like Jennings. I’ve been able to watch Young Money in-person during a few all-star/exhibition games on the high school level, and he takes full advantage of the stage: throwing all convention out the window in a game that doesn’t count and always putting on a show. But in the NBA he’s still a rookie, and if Chris Paul didn’t make the All-Star team his rookie year, it’s probably not gonna happen for BJ despite his numbers (20.7 ppg, 6.0 apg) and the Bucks being better than expected. Detractors can rightfully cite Milwaukee’s losing record and Jennings’ defensive shortcomings as reasons to keep him out, but really, it’s a politics thing. Allen Iverson could get voted in by the fans and therefore steal somebody’s spot, and then you’ve got Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose at point guard, and with the Hawks playing as well as they are, don’t sleep on Mike Bibby getting a nod with the coaches.
TYREKE EVANS — See above. Great numbers (20.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 5.0 apg), team doing better than expected, but he’s still a rookie. And Tyreke has even tougher competition in the West at point guard than Jennings has in the East. Speaking of …
TONY PARKER — Spurs fans won’t like it, but there are just too many guards in the West this year, and the Spurs aren’t playing well enough that anybody will feel obligated to take another S.A. player after Duncan. Add in that Parker (16.4 ppg, 5.9 apg) isn’t playing as well as he did last year. Steve Nash and CP will be in; Deron Williams should make his All-Star debut in 2010. That’s already three point guards, plus you’ve got Chauncey Billups, Monta Ellis and Aaron Brooks in the mix, and the West needs two-guards as well, i.e. Kobe and B-Roy.
JOAKIM NOAH — No, really. Hate him or hate him a lot, but you can’t deny Noah is putting in work. He’s tied for second in the League in rebounding (12.0 rpg), just a hair under leader Dwight Howard (12.8 rpg). Coupled with his 10.4 scoring average, Noah is one of only nine players in the NBA averaging a points-boards double-double. There aren’t too many All-Star caliber centers in the East, but Noah won’t make the cut.
ZACH RANDOLPH — Here we go again. I’m not even saying this as the assistant treasurer of Z-Bo’s fan club, but I don’t see how he puts up All-Star numbers every year and doesn’t even enter the conversation come All-Star time. This year it’s been 18.3 points and 10 boards a night, including one 20-rebound effort, and monster stat lines in Memphis’ upset wins over Cleveland and Dallas. But you know how this one turns out.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
sa says:
Pau Gasol and Deron Williams
December 18th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Rizwan says:
Is Kevin Durant getting in? Hes got ‘Melo, Dirk, Pau Gasol and Duncan ahead of him. I think he’ll get in but could be close.
I dont thin Derrick Rose should be an all star this year. He’s been below average and his team have sucked. As much as it kills me to say this but Rajon Rondo should be in.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Dennis says:
Brook Lopez. No way they look twice at a NJ Net, but he is having prob the most efficient and all around season out of any eastern C
December 18th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
POPPI GEE says:
Whole way of All-Stars needs to be re-worked so those deserving get that shot.
It’s bout as bad as the bowl system in college football.
Junk has to hurt to ball hard, practice hard and bring it and not get recognized cause a spot ain’t available or because fans voted in someone who might not be worthy.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Austin Burton says:
At first I thought Lopez wouldn’t get in for the same reason Al Jefferson didn’t get in, but he’s got something working in his favor: There’s aren’t that many centers in the East. Dwight Howard will start, but after that, Lopez’s competition is Horford (seen as the 3rd guy on his team), Noah (people don’t like him), Shaq (numbers are way down), Ben Wallace (better than expected, but All-Star level?), J.O. (started off hot but fading), Bogut (missed a lot of games), D-Lee (his team stinks too) and Bargnani (Raps won’t get two All-Stars).
December 18th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
wifey says:
WEST
G – Nash – Williams – Paul
G – Kobe – B.Roy – Billups
F – Carmelo – Gasol – Durant
F – Dirk – Duncan – Aldridge
C – Stoudemire – Bynum – Jefferson
East
G – Wade – Arenas – Allen
G – Carter – Joe Johnson – Rondo
F – Lebron – Pierce – Beasley
F – Garnett – Bosh – Deng
C – Dwight – Bargnani – Horford
I made the team based on all around play, injuries, and fan voting. The only person i’m wondering about is Arenas, I would actually consider putting Crawford in it.
December 18th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Michorizo says:
Tyreke Evans is sick…He deserves to be an All-Star this year and every game he is looking better and better. He is special … he’s going to be a top 5 player in the league for years to come so if he doesn’t make it this year, there is no chance that he will be snubbed in the future.
December 18th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
bone0315 says:
Does Wifey know that there aren’t 15 AS spots per conference?
December 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
IG says:
If McGrady takes a spot, one of these SGs will be snubbed (Monta Ellis, Tyreke Evans, Brandon Roy, Kevin Durant, etc.)
December 18th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Jah says:
EAST:
PG – Gilbert Arenas
SG – Dwyane Wade
SF – LeBron James
PF – Kevin Garnett
C – Dwight Howard
reserves:
(Gx2, Fx2, Cx1, and two utility)
G – Brandon Jennings, Ray Allen
F – Paul Pierce, Chris Bosh
C – Joakim Noah
utility – Gerald Wallace, Josh Smith
* on the bubble * Brook Lopez
WEST:
PG – Steve Nash
SG – Kobe Bryant
SF – Carmelo Anthony
PF – Dirk Nowitzki
C – Amaré Stoudemire
reserves:
G – Deron Williams, Chris Paul
F – Pau Gasol, Kevin Durant
C – Andrew Bynum
utility – Brandon Roy, Jason Kidd
* on the bubble * Chauncey Billups
December 18th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Roman says:
Tyreke Evans is a beast.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
QQ says:
Mcgrady will NOT take a spot. I think its disrespectful to the game and all the people connected to it. The NBA would do everything to reverse this because if it happens, it would be publicity suicide. What would fans think? That the All Star isn’t where the most talented players play, but where big names with many fans who didn’t do shit go?
It will be suicide.
December 18th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
QQ says:
Jennings will SURELY go to the ASG.
Evans about 60-70%.
December 18th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
got beef? says:
Rajon Rondo definitely is an all star this year… he deserves it more than any celtic this year actually
December 18th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
GoEasy says:
Noah will never play in an all star game. Period.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
ab_40 says:
if joakim noah get’s to the ASG it’s time to give up on the ASG just get shaq on there for fun. as the backup C to Dwight. the description that fits noah the most starts with a b and ends with itch. and on what do you base rondo getting in? are his stats that amazing? the east is cool they have some great players but the west is just stacked. even minnesota has one guy that would start on most teams and all the other ones have potential all stars. I wanna see gerald wallace get in. he’d do some amazing stuff in an ASG. VC will be in it as well. All we need is Shaq and the ASG in dallas will be just fine.
December 18th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
QQ says:
I think it’s called the ALL STAR Game. Meaning, where the Allstars play right? Shaq isn’t one, so he should not be there.
And if we watch the ASG for the comedy, then let’s just send Damon Jones and his goofy ass face in the game.
December 18th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Maynard says:
Bibby: 9-4-2. Nah. Might as well put Duhon (9-6-3).
Other than that, mostly on the money. I realize they don’t play defense in the actual ASG, but God forbid Randolph play some during the season, and maybe he’d make the team. I agree on Noah, I don’t think people know how good he is yet. I’m also with you on Jennings and Evans; rookies have a tough time making it in. (It didn’t even happen for LeBron) And it’s a shame about Deng, he’s just too unsung and there’s a lot of competition.
December 18th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Jah says:
Wow. Can’t believe I forgot about Duncan. Here’s my re-do of the WEST:
PG – Steve Nash
SG – Kobe Bryant
SF – Carmelo Anthony
PF – Dirk Nowitzki
C – Tim Duncan
reserves:
G – Deron Williams, Chris Paul
F – Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Durant
C – Pau Gasol
utility – Brandon Roy, Carlos Boozer
*on the bubble*
Chauncey Billups
Rudy Gay
Jason Kidd
December 19th, 2009 at 5:39 am
Name (required) says:
If Shaq, Iverson or Carter get spots ahead of guys like Noah, Lopez, Jennings, Rose or Rondo I’m fine with that. Shaq, Vince and AI aint what they used to be, but they’re still some of the biggest Stars in the L and those other guys are good, but hardly elite talent yet. If TMac stops Dwill from finally being an All Star this year tho…. Its time to just give up. If Derron Williams is not an all star this year and Tracy fucking McGrady is then the NBA should just call it quits and never put on another all star game ever again, cos we wont deserve it.
December 19th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Coop says:
I think it’s important to remember that the All-Star game is NOT a ‘barometer’ of talent.
December 19th, 2009 at 9:41 am
sh!tfaced says:
Hah! If AI somehow gets voted to the Eastern Lineup, will he have a chance to be the first ever DNP-CD in ASG history? (That is, if it didn’t happen yet). Real curious what kind of reaction there will be.
December 19th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Celts Fan says:
My team (remember they only separate by G, F, and C – with wiggle room at C for 4s that play some C)
EAST
Starters:
G: Wade, Joe Johnson
F: LeBron and Bosh
C: Dwight
Bench:
G: Vince, Jennings (I know what the precedent has been, but he’s an All Star to me)
F: KG, Pierce
C: Brook Lopez (he’s flat out better than Noah to me)
Utility: Gerald Wallace, Ray Allen
(Ray’s and Jennings’ spots are the most up in the air. They could easily go to Rondo, Gil, or JSmooth. We’ll see over the next couple months…)
WEST
Starters:
G: Kobe, Nash (been as critical of him as anyone, but he’s running shit this year and the Suns are contenders while the Hornets aren’t)
F: Dirk, Melo
C: Duncan (If you start next to Antonio McDyeuss, you’re a 5.)
G: Roy, Paul
F: Amare, Durant
C: Bynum
Utility: Deron, Gasol (spent a while trying to talk myself outta this since he missed some time to start the yr, but that won’t mean shit by Feb and the Lakers look to be potentially historically good. 3 All Stars is legit.)
December 19th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
cvelaSF says:
people are sleeping on Monta Ellis…I would put him in over Billups and maybe CP3 considering he missed about a month of action earlier in the season…hopefully the coaches give credit where credit is sue and select Monta!!
December 20th, 2009 at 1:08 am
kevin k says:
Austin, did you really mention Mike Bibby and All Star in the same sentence?? seriously??? might as well put ZAZA Pachulia into that convo
December 20th, 2009 at 8:07 am
Pet Society Help says:
The consolation is that we’ll get to see brandon jennings in the rookie/sophmore game.
December 20th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
CK Jess says:
brandon jennings and tyreke have to be in this all star game . they represent the rookie takeover!
December 21st, 2009 at 1:59 pm
johnny says:
Anybody else wish the ASG had 9-man rosters like the Rookie-Sophomore game?
I always promote this opinion, because honestly the Rook-Soph game is my favorite game of the year. Everybody is involved from each roster. They are involved throughout the game. You can see the chemistry building up. The game is smooth (other than the fact that it usally is a 20-piecing.)
The ASG? Weird, weird, weird substitutions. WEIRD. The game keeps getting “interrupted” for those subbings. It’s just herky-jerky and ugly. Sick of it.
December 21st, 2009 at 7:07 pm
rick ross says:
Gerald Wallace?????
December 21st, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Drew says:
Are you watching the Bulls games or just looking at stats? I agree about Noah – he’s been their MVP so far this season and has come a long way maturity-wise – but I think you’re offbase regarding Deng as he continues to be a disappointment. Deng was averaging 19/7 back in 06-07 (shooting 52% vs. this year’s 46%) and was expected to make the leap to the next level but that’s never happened. He’s like Lamar Odom – a great 3rd or 4th option – but if he’s your #1 or #2, you’re, well, 10-15 (Bulls record thus far). He’s not as good of a defender as he should be with his length and he’s never developed a 3 point shot. His 6 year, $71 million contract is killing the Bulls…all-star contract for a supporting cast player.