All-Star Weekend Ramblings
All-stars are locked now, (barring injury) and I have the same feelings I do every year when they are announced, "Fans shouldn't be allowed to vote." The argument against that is that it's a "game for the fans." OK fine, but change the name then. Either "Glorified Pickup Game," or "Popularity Contest Game." Preferably the latter.
This year isn't too bad as far as the selections go. The East is pretty much right. (The only thing I thought would be interesting would be to have a Rondo-Rose back court. I would like to see if Rose could play off the ball.) My beef of course is with the West. And I can bring it all down to one little word. YAO! No offense China, the man hasn't deserved to play for the last 3 seasons. Last season he wasn't on the ballot thankfully, but we all know had he been, he would be starting.
Doesn't anyone else think this is wrong? It drives me nuts that it's a popularity contest. (I can't believe that T-Mac isn't starting too.) We all know that if Allen Iverson would have been in the NBA, he too would be starting, regardless if he had even suited up even once. I'm not even going to stop at washed up pros. What about legends and icons? I guarantee you, I wouldn't vote for Kobe once he starts to slip into mediocrity. Same for Lebron, Wade, etc.
I'll take it one step further. Let's say for laughs they put Michael Jordan's name on the list, just for fun. He wasn't on a team, just to let him play in the game. Not only would he start, he would break the all-time vote record for a player, probably doubling it in the process. Does anyone in their right mind think that Jordan could hang with Lebron, Durant, Kobe, Wade, or Rose? Seriously? I'm sure he would score 12 and have a couple of highlight plays, but he wouldn't deserve to be there just because he is Michael Jordan. Now before someone tries to throw a rock at me, MJ's very own best friend Charles Barkley has even said, "It's not a life-time achievement award." He is absolutely correct, with no doubt in my mind. I got Barkley backing me up, what else could I possibly need? "Victor, Yao Ming being an All-Star is absolutely turrible. Just turrible." Well said Chuck.
Let the coaches vote the starters. Even let the players vote. Sure there would be politics involved to some degree, but I promise you Yao wouldn't be starting. (I don't hate Yao, but anyone who can play five games in limited minutes, and still get an All-star start is bound to get a little razzing from somewhere.) And push comes to shove, the fans would agree for the most part with who is selected. Because honestly, they are more educated than you or me.
This year isn't too bad as far as the selections go. The East is pretty much right. (The only thing I thought would be interesting would be to have a Rondo-Rose back court. I would like to see if Rose could play off the ball.) My beef of course is with the West. And I can bring it all down to one little word. YAO! No offense China, the man hasn't deserved to play for the last 3 seasons. Last season he wasn't on the ballot thankfully, but we all know had he been, he would be starting.
Doesn't anyone else think this is wrong? It drives me nuts that it's a popularity contest. (I can't believe that T-Mac isn't starting too.) We all know that if Allen Iverson would have been in the NBA, he too would be starting, regardless if he had even suited up even once. I'm not even going to stop at washed up pros. What about legends and icons? I guarantee you, I wouldn't vote for Kobe once he starts to slip into mediocrity. Same for Lebron, Wade, etc.
I'll take it one step further. Let's say for laughs they put Michael Jordan's name on the list, just for fun. He wasn't on a team, just to let him play in the game. Not only would he start, he would break the all-time vote record for a player, probably doubling it in the process. Does anyone in their right mind think that Jordan could hang with Lebron, Durant, Kobe, Wade, or Rose? Seriously? I'm sure he would score 12 and have a couple of highlight plays, but he wouldn't deserve to be there just because he is Michael Jordan. Now before someone tries to throw a rock at me, MJ's very own best friend Charles Barkley has even said, "It's not a life-time achievement award." He is absolutely correct, with no doubt in my mind. I got Barkley backing me up, what else could I possibly need? "Victor, Yao Ming being an All-Star is absolutely turrible. Just turrible." Well said Chuck.
Let the coaches vote the starters. Even let the players vote. Sure there would be politics involved to some degree, but I promise you Yao wouldn't be starting. (I don't hate Yao, but anyone who can play five games in limited minutes, and still get an All-star start is bound to get a little razzing from somewhere.) And push comes to shove, the fans would agree for the most part with who is selected. Because honestly, they are more educated than you or me.
Now for the fun stuff. Is anyone more exciting right now than Blake Griffin? I'll answer for you, NO. This man has to win the dunk contest. Not just because he's the best dunker right now, but because it could be one for the ages should he win. I think this kid could have a signature dunk this year. (Not counting the Mosgov one) Let's be honest, it needs to happen. Last year's contest was horrible. Blake needs to reinvent the contest in a similar fashion Vince Carter did in 2000.
As for the 3-Point shootout, I'm rooting for Durant. I'm sure most are picking Ray Allen, (who surprisingly has only won it once) which is a pretty good pick. However I want Durant to win just so he can have one more feather in his cap. (Ray will have the 3 point record, so let Durant have this one) Honestly as long as Paul Pierce doesn't win, I'm fine for whoever winning though. I hate that man. Best Celtic shooter ever? Possibly the biggest lie ever told. Let's look at one of the best shooters ever, Celtic or not, and his dominance in the contest:
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