Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Biggest All Star Snubs

I've seen some lists floating around, but my list is the best. The All Star Game is all about entertainment and who the fans want to see, so this isn't that big of a deal really in the grand scheme of things, but it's infuriating regardless when you see good but not great players show up to the event all cocky-like.

Ok, so here's the list:

1. Ryan Anderson.

This is probably the biggest snub, in my mind, on the entire list. The biggest reason comes down to the East being depleted of talent at the forward position. With injuries aplenty, Anderson being off the All Star roster suggests he is being overlooked entirely as a player -- as if he didn't exist.

He is the only reason the Magic have a winning record right now. Outside of Dwight and Redick, no one else appears to have a pulse on the Magic. He is an incredible 3 point shooter, and a massively improved rebounder. And he plays exceptional defense. What's not to like?

Oh, that's right. Orlando is DWIGHT HOWARD'S team. No one else can share the glory there. Game over, man.

Ryan Anderson is having one of the best seasons of any player, much less Dwight Howard, and should have been rewarded for it. He is a top 5 player THIS YEAR (not every year).

2. James Harden.

It's generally not practical to make all star nods towards guys who come off the bench most of the time. The problem with this is that Harden is the second best player on (arguably) the best team or second best team in the NBA. Yes, he is better than Westbrook.

Outside of Kobe, name a shooting guard with his talent, efficiency and numbers to back it up in the West. Yup, no one. Westbrook's spot should have been surrendered here to Harden.

3. Pau Gasol.

I get that the Lakers already have two all stars. But there is ZERO reason Pau Gasol is left off this list and Dirk Nowitzki remains. I get that Dirk is coming off a monster season, but he's played hurt most of the year. Gasol has continued to feast with monster stats and playing well on a playoff team.

4. Tyson Chandler.

This one also confuses me. Really -- Roy Hibbert -- over Tyson Chandler? I understand the league give the Pacers an All Star, but there is no way Chandler should be left off this list. He is by far the second best center in the East. Additionally, he may end up with the best shooting efficiency of ALL TIME for a season, playing on a playoff bound team. He is the best player on his team to boot. Leaving him off the roster -- and Carmelo Anthony on -- suggests a league that only cares about one thing: scoring, and scoring with low efficiency and poor decision making.

5. Danny Granger.

Danny Granger is the best player on the Pacers, a very good playoff team in the East. He is a previous All Star. So what gives?

Oh, Joe Johnson (scratch that, RONDO) deserve the nod over him. Oh, and Carmelo Anthony (thanks, fans).

Suggestion? Kick out Carmelo. Add Granger in his spot.


Honorable mentions:

Kevin Garnett (old, but still deserving), Marcin Gortat, Kyle Lowry, Lou Williams