No, I'm not saying that Dame isn't deserving. As a matter of fact, if he doesn't make the all-star team with his current production, it will be unprecedented. To wit: However, it would probably be best for him and for the team for him to miss the game, because he's clearly still suffering the effects from the injury that knocked him out for 5 games. Before the Spurs game on 12/23 (in which Dame suffered his injury): 27.4 ppg, 6.1 ast, .457 FG, .355 3P%, .601 TS% From 12/23 forward: 22.6 ppg, 5.5 ast, .409 FG, .301 3P%, .523 TS% For comparison--Napier's percentages: .379 FG, .321 3P%, .515 TS% I don't think it's a stretch to suggest that his Napier-like efficiency indicates that he probably came back sooner than he should have (blame that competitive fire), and it's hurting the team--primarily on the offensive end. I think he needs the rest, and if Stotts won't sit him down, and we know he won't sit himself down, the best we can hope for is for the coaches to do it for us, if only for a week.
I don't think he will make it period but the rest would do him good. It not about his stats it because of our record.
I'd be ok if CJ made it and Damian didn't. I'd be ok if Damian made it and CJ didn't. I'd be happy if neither made it because I don't care.
Well, it's because All NBA airs an award for the whole season and All Star is for half a season. That is why Dame didn't get All Star but did get All NBA last year. We played our best in the second half of season. It will be the same this year.
I don't believe I suggested that he wasn't capable of occasional excellent play. What I showed was that his consistent level of play since his injury has been far below that of prior to the injury. If he demonstrates over the next 10 games (ie, the number between now and the all-star break) that he's back to form, then I'll take it all back. I won't hold my breath.
I think they announce it tonight so we will find out soon enough (unless they pick Chris Paul then we will have to wait longer to find out who the commish puts on the team).
The best case scenario for us (and I know it isn't going to happen) would be that Dame gets picked but bows out and CJ is chosen as his replacement. That would rock!
First leak of many today: NBA needs to investigate these leaks and fine whoever is doing it if they want their precious half-time ratings during announcement.