The NBA released its list of NBA All Star Game Reserves (including Yao Ming's replacement), and the results have been disappointing. Admittedly, NBA assistant coaches have a tough job of deciding the reserves, but check out the list they gave out:
West Reserves: Pao Gasol (Center), Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki (forwards), Manu Ginobili, Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams (Guards)
East Reserves: Al Horford (Center), Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce (forwards), Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Joe Johnson (Guards)
Who should they have put in? Here are the snubbed players:
WEST
FtFPS (Snubbed) Pick: LaMarcus Aldridge
First of all, the coaches did the unthinkable by not including Love as an All Star. Good thing David Stern added Love as a replacement. What were the coaches thinking? Love is actually good enough to be a starter like I wrote in my previous article. He is the league leader in rebounds and 20 point-20 rebound games and he has a 31 point-30 rebound game. Are you kidding me? Meanwhile, I'm fine with Gasol over my original pick Tyson Chandler, since Gasol was considered a center, and he is putting up great numbers. The 2011 All Star Team without Aldridge? That is a dastardly crime. Aldridge is having a career year, carrying the once again much-injured Blazers on his shoulders and keeping them competitive for a playoff spot. Long considered a sidekick to Brandon Roy, Aldridge has emerged, averaging career-bests in points (21.4), rebounds (9.0) and blocks (1.2). Give this man his due!
Now, giving Aldridge his rightful spot means one have to go. Obviously, Duncan has to go. His team may be winning but his career-low numbers shouldn't be overlooked just because he's the heart of the Spurs. It's an All Star Selection, not a Lifetime Achievement Award.
EAST
FtFPS (Snubbed) Pick: Andrew Bogut
If the coaches were looking for a back up center, Bogut would've been a better choice. The Aussie has picked up his game and last year's devastating injury seems to be only a memory. While his numbers in points are down, his defense has been awe-inspiring. He's now averaging career-bests in rebounds (11.7) and blocks (league-leading 2.8!) and as much as Brandon Jennings gets the hype, Bogut is what the Bucks need to win. Many were quick to discount him as a bust in his first two years in the league, but It's time to reward him.
Bogut should've gotten a spot in the roster and I think Ray Allen stole his spot. Yes, the Celtics are winning, but Allen has been the least impressive of Boston's Big 4, and this year should have been Bogut's coming out party.
2 comments:
kevin love was given the starting spot for the west, but i dont think he deserves to start over gasol. love is just putting big numbers on a losing team. the others players on the west team all deserve their credit. and its inevitable that alot of players will be snubbed considering the depth of good players in the west. the east however, didn't consider andrew bogut, which is a much better pick than kevin garnett. 4 celtics, 3 heat players, and two atlanta players were selected to be in the east team. they should consider starts from other teams as well.
Actually, Popovich will pick the starter. Love replaces Yao but anyone can start. My guess is you're right and Gasol will start. I think he deserves to start.
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