NBA All Star Weekend 2015

It's the most frustrating time of the year for NBA fans.  That's right, it's all-star selection.  This is an annual "piss and moan-fest" for me, and I can't even remember what number I'm up to, so I'll just use the generic title that you clicked on.  (Thanks by the way.)

If for some reason you're unaware why this irks me to no end, it's because the "fans" are allowed to vote the starters for the game; which inevitably leads to some past-his-prime guy starting for the all-star team, when reality dictates he shouldn't even be on the roster.  

Luckily injuries have been balancing this out lately, and this year is no exception. Two glaring cases of this is represented in Kobe and Wade.  Four years ago they were the two best shooting guards in the NBA; hands down.  The gap between 2 and 3 was quite large.  (Sorry Joe Johnson.)  Now they're living off past accomplishments; Kobe as a starter (SHOCKING! *huge sarcasm there in case you didn't know*) and Wade was surprisingly selected by the esteemed coaches and media to be a reserve.  

What the hell is going on there?   Wade has missed nearly 20 games already, which should be instant disqualification.  Luckily the heavens shone down on us, Wade is hurt (SHOCKING!) and his replacement is Kyle f'n Korver.  (That's a good "f'n" by the way)  

Korver is challenging Steve Kerr for "the greatest white boy shooter of all time," and is now officially one of the oldest first time all stars.  It's another feel-good story, for the feel-good Hawks who are sending FOUR all-stars to this year's game.  That's pretty cool.  Had the balance of talent been a little better in favor of the East, maybe you can debate this, but that's just nit-picking.  And most importantly of all, Korver is representing the state of Iowa in the big game.  And we all know how irrationally proud of fellow Iowans, Iowans are.  You go Korver, make Steve Kerr your bitch!

Speaking of Kerr, his team the Warriors are also playing off the hook.  Klay Thompson is making a legitimate case for "best shooting guard," and Curry for "best point guard."  Curry also led all all-star vote-getters.  Quite surprising from where I'm sitting due to him not being an elite name, but well-deserved.  

Another well-deserved all-star selection is Jimmy Butler.  I thought his ceiling was a Tony Allen-esque defensive stopper.  He shattered the shit out of that ceiling this year and is number three shooting guard in the whole league (behind Harden and Thompson).  He currently is day-to-day with an injury, and it would blow for him to miss his first all-star game, but it's clearly not worth the risk to play if that's the reality.  I have no idea who would replace him should he indeed not play.  

I was really excited for John Wall and Kyle Lowry to be the starting guards for the East.  I was convince it would be Kyrie Irving yet again.  I'm not on the Kyrie bandwagon yet, and it seems people are falling off it more this season.  Should he be an all-star?  Yeah, but not starting over the other two boys.  Good job stupid NBA fans.  

Should I bitch more about Carmelo?  The Knicks are the worst team in the NBA right now, so should Melo man be selected?  I would think not, but of course he is.  They say the only reason he hasn't been shut down for "injury" is for him to "host" the all-star game in NYC.  Whatever.  

It's too bad Anthony Davis is going to miss this year's game.  He is arguably the most talented player in the whole game right now.  Get 'em next year 'Brow. 

Some are calling for DeMarcus Cousin's head, and looking at the King's record, the sentiment is justified.  However, he is sixth in PPG (barely missing out on fifth), third in RPG, fourth in free throws made, and seventh in PER.  That's pretty damn good.     

I personally think that Dirk's selection as an injury replacement is a bit shaky. Statistically he's probably alright, but he's definitely down from previous years. (Should that be held against him?)  I think that is teammate Monta Ellis should actually have represent the Mavericks instead of Nowitzki.  But, the Dirk pick isn't so awful.  

Now here's the big one.  And believe me, this kills me to type it.  Kevin Durant shouldn't have made the all-star game.  (Man that just looks wrong when I read it back.)  Durant has missed waaay too many games.  He's missed more than Wade for cryin' out loud.  That's saying something.  Kevin Durant is my favorite player in the NBA today, and the game would seem strange without him, but I would be a huge hypocrite to say he should make it after blasting guys like D-Wade.  And with that one statement, KD is my biggest wrong of the 2015 all-star game.  Now excuse me while I go weep into my pillow.