Ready for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game?
We know the starters, now it’s time to find out who got snubbed and who should be there in Dallas.
Every year, the NBA’s midseason extravaganza snubs a few players who fans feel should be in the league’s annual celebration of the brightest stars in the NBA. The 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas is no different.
Let’s start with this one guy who probably got snubbed from the All-Star game this year because of a mug you can’t market ANYWHERE. And in case you didn’t get that, I’m referring to Los Angeles Clippers center Chris Kaman.
This will be the second time the Los Angeles Clippers star got snubbed for the All-Star game. For a guy who looks like a child molester, Kaman is quickly becoming one of the brightest stars in Hollywood. The guy is averaging 20.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. He is arguably having the best season of any traditional center in the West and that is why the Clippers, despite all their struggles, are still hanging on for a playoff spot.
Another guy who definitely should be in the All-Star game in Dallas is Chauncey Billups. Having the All-Star game this year without Mr. Big Shot is a travesty, to say the least. He is probably the best point guard in the Western Conference at this point of the season. Hell, he should be there starting for the West instead of Steve Nash in my opinion.
But probably because of the injury that forced him to miss eight games this season, Billups failed to get the fans’ and the coaches’ votes.
”I’m sure it played a role,” Billups said, who just recently broke his career high when he led the Denver Nuggets to a win over the Lakers in Los Angeles. ”We have the second-best record in the West. If I didn’t miss the eight games we could be vying for the best record, the first spot. If we had the best record in the league, it could be different.”
”But I’m all about the team. We are where we need to be as a team. I’m also feeling great. No ailments. The rest is probably most valuable for me.”
In the Eastern Conference, we also have some notable snubs, starting with Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith. Smith is easily the Hawks’ most indispensable player. Smith could even be viewed as the Hawks’ most valuable player. His all-around stats show off the depth of his talent, averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.5 steals per game this season.
How can the East coaches explain Smith’s omission? They’ll blame it on the fans who voted Allen Iverson and Kevin Garnett as starters. Smith’s chances of being named as an injury replacement also could be hurt by the fact that two of his Atlanta Hawks teammates already represent the East.
David Lee of the New York Knicks also should be in the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. Lee was considered a shoo-in by many, only to lose out to his former college teammate Al Horford. Lee’s numbers are fantastic for any player, let alone an undersized center that rarely sees the ball in half court sets. His production is a product of hard work and skill honed throughout one of the darkest stretches for a franchise trying to rebuild itself into a playoff contender.
The fact that the New York Knicks were winning more often than usual this season seemed like it would sway things in his favor but it didn’t happen.
Which team will win the 2010 NBA Finals? SPORTSBETTING.com has the odds.
Orlando Magic 7-1
Boston Celtics 5-1
Denver Nuggets 12-1
Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.com for more basketball betting odds. Want to watch the NBA live? Get NBA tickets online now.
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