At this point I think LA is a lock, so it will be interesting to see how things play out with Dame. Right now his competition is Paul, Westbrook, Parker, and Harden. I think Curry and Kobe will get the starter spots. I did a little digging into the injuries to Paul, Westbrook, and Kobe. Looks like Westbrook will be back before the cutoff, but Paul won't return until February and if he isn't voted in by the fans, I'm wondering if he'll still get the nod from the coaches. Westbrook has played 25 games this season, so I'm wondering if that will be enough to get the nod. Russell Westbrook Out Jan 16 Comment: Westbrook (knee) could make a surprise early return by January 27, The Oklahoman reports. Kobe Bryant Out Jan 17 Comment: Bryant (knee) won't consider sitting out the rest of the season, the OC Register reports. 01/06/14 Chris Paul PG Shoulder Out until at least early February
Westbrook would be crazy to try and push his return back that early. I can't believe OKC would let him do so. He's entering Brandon Roy territory, and Westbrook's biggest asset is his freakish athleticism.
Hmmm I thought Westbrook was confirmed out until after the all-star break? I think the coaches certainly get Paul in the game somehow if hes healthy.
Yup. Well, that latest update from ESPN was from yesterday, so it sure seems like he's trying to rush back.
It would be nice for Dame to receive the well earned recognition being one of the best at his position.
Seems like a decent point to bring up that if Damian hits one of the following: Named to the All-NBA First, Second or Third team at least twice Voted as a starter in the All-Star game at least twice Named the NBA Most Valuable Player at least once in the next 3 years, he's eligible for an extra 3M or so a year on his "max" contract. So instead of being ~14M cap hit in the summer of 15-16, it'll be roughly 17M. And depending on who is signed in the summer of 2015 (when everyone but Dame, Leonard and CJ comes off the books), it could mean some significant tax implications.
I haven't been keeping track at all, but I just see it happening. He'll weasel his way back in and say he had to get in the game for the fans, play less than 10 mins in the game, and keep someone else out. Its just the way of the NBA. All-star selections are highly political.
The coach's vote has to be complete no later than the 29th and probably sooner, so unless Westbrook is going to play this next week they won't know his status for the game even if the Thunder are rushing him back.
Wow Kobe, Westbrook and Paul all may come comeback early? Is Dame's all-star chances low if they happen to all get into to all-star game somehow?
Nice that Lillard has 2 national TV games during the week the coaches will be finalizing their opinions. It's in his hands. If he looks like an All-star there is no way he won't get more votes than Westbrook (while increasing his chances to get more than Parker).
He'd have to get more coach's votes than both Parker and Harden, which I don't think is necessarily impossible but I wouldn't bet much on it. As noted above even if Westbrook comes back early I don't think he gets in, so I would be more worried about Kobe and Paul playing in which case it comes down to 2 spots for Lillard/Parker/Harden.
If those three make it while injured, it will be extremely lame. Paul has at least earned it though. He's only missed a few games. Kobe has played, what, three games?
I don't see any reason for Kobe Bryant to play in the All-Star game. If he does, his image is going to take a hit, since he'll only play a few minutes, and a deserving player will be snubbed. It may actually be used against Kobe, come to think of it, as motivation by snubbed players.
I really don't even see the reason for him to return this year. They're obviously tanking. The team is horrible. Why come back?
