NBA All-Star: Prolific Players Snubbed; Players, Fans, Question Selection Process
KEY POINTS
- The NBA All-Star reserves were announced today
- Notable players such as Devin Booker and Bradley Beal lead the league in scoring but were snubbed of a selection
- Fans and players react to the selection process
Another round of All-Star snubs takes the main debate topic across the NBA. Although it’s safe to continue with the mindset that the league is rewarding winning, it hasn’t been consistent in this year’s selection.
Who's the biggest All-Star snub? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/OcxYXBURIG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 31, 2020
Trae Young, for example, has produced out of this world statistics for the Atlanta Hawks. He is third in the league in scoring and is putting up 29.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 9 assists per game.
If offensive numbers were the main criteria of making the All-Star Team then there should be no argument.
However, the league recognizes winning as well. In Trae Young’s case, his team is currently last in the Eastern Conference.
All I ask for is consistency from the NBA. If you tell me winning matters — then don’t let Trae Young start at PG with a 12-36 record. But if he does, you’re telling me stats matter more — in which case Devin Booker shouldn’t be behind Chris damn Paul.
— andrew leezus (@AndrewLeezus) January 31, 2020
Simple.
While the second-year guard’s production is phenomenal, his selection creates a confusing precedent in terms of selection.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has a better winning record than Trae Young and is producing stellar numbers – more than 27 points per game and is nearing the eighth seed in the West. Although they aren’t a dominant force in their conference, they’re inching closer in contention with 20-27 win-loss record.
Interestingly, Brandon Ingram made the cut while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans – a team one rank lower than the Suns in the standings.
You're a laywer charged with defending Brandon Ingram's inclusion in the All-Star game in place of Devin Booker. How do you build your case?
— Nicholas Stick (@nippstick) January 29, 2020
D Book should’ve gotten in....🤦🏽♂️
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 30, 2020
A similar situation can apply to Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. He is the league’s sixth-leading scorer with 28.6 points per game. While his team isn’t as near in the playoff picture, they’re definitely a few games ahead of Trae Young’s Atlanta Hawks. Immediately after his snub, Bradley Beal went on an offensive display scoring 34 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists in a 121-107 victory.
"I'm a little pissed off about it... it's disrespectful."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 31, 2020
Bradley Beal reacts to not being named an All-Star.
(via @NBCSWizards)pic.twitter.com/xxeymtSLAE
These snubs raised questions around the league. LA Clippers guard Lou Williams shared his thoughts on the situation.
We need some consistency in what’s rewarded in the selection process. D book should be a perennial all star, but he isn’t based on winning. But the guys that’s winning not getting in either lol. So is it numbers, or winning, or name recognition?
— Lou Williams (@TeamLou23) January 31, 2020
The Clippers are 33-14 in the Western Conference but Paul George failed to make the selection. Although he has sat out a quite number of games, it’s noteworthy that the second team in the Western Conference only has one representative for the All-Star game.
You're a laywer charged with defending Brandon Ingram's inclusion in the All-Star game in place of Devin Booker. How do you build your case?
— Nicholas Stick (@nippstick) January 29, 2020
There’s no question that the NBA is filled with talent. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the All-Star nod and the league will just have to wait for injury replacements.
![Bradley Beal](https://d.ibtimes.com/en/full/2769087/bradley-beal.jpg?w=736&f=89b4340dfd0c2ffba4f6fe15b3f196c5)
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