Lillard AS chances again: Kobe, Paul

I think what Nate said is more likely to be true. Paul was probably tipped off today that he was NOT voted in as a starter, and wants to be sure the coaches know he will be active for the game when they vote.

The Kobe link just says he is being reevaluated and might be able to play by next week. Nothing is specified for certain and it doesn't mention the AS game as far as I noticed.

 

Stop. You're blowing up my conspiracy theory! Although I do agree, those Cliff Paul ads would look pretty stupid when they run during the AS game and Paul isn't even selected to the team.

So that's a new conspiracy! State Farm has already bought major ad time during the game, and is insisting that the NBA have Chris Paul at the very least play a bit in the game.

 

If Kobe takes a spot, that would be seriously messed up. What has he played in? Three games?

At least Paul earned a spot and has only been out since early January. I'm going to be annoyed if Kobe "plays" in the All-Star game.

Edited - sorry, SIX games.

 

I'm going way back here, and some may not remember it, but Magic Johnson was voted by the fans into an All-Star game the year he retired due to HIV. He was MVP of that game, and literally wasn't on a roster or didn't play a second that entire season.

If that had happened during the internet era, imagine the outrage about his "selfishness." Instead, Stern and his NBA crafted it as a plus, and it is one of the most memorable AS games in history. Looking back, I'm sure the only reason Magic did it was because his sponsors insisted on it.

 

I look at that as a completely different scenario.

Here's a guy who had to retire while he was still one of the best in the league because he literally had no idea what was going to happen to him. They didn't know if it was safe for him to be on the floor. He was one of the most beloved players in the history of the game, so for the fans to vote him in so he could play one last game (at least they thought it would be his last), that seems fine to me.

Kobe is not retiring. Kobe does not have an illness that many people thought would kill him. I get your point, but I think one is a special circumstance, and the other is just a guy being selfish.

 

I agree with your point. My primary reason for posting it is that Magic didn't lose his endorsement contracts that season, and it was a plus to have him playing for McDonald's and others who advertised during the game.

 

Yeah, I'm sure that didn't hurt.

I really wish they'd implement some kind of minimum requirements to make the All-Star team, but then it wouldn't be "for the fans."

 

The reality is that the majority of NBA "fans" would rather see Kobe Bryant start the game and play for 8 minutes as opposed to Damian Lillard getting that spot and playing 15 minutes off of the bench. Which sucks, but I do understand it, and you can be sure I'll be bashing Bryant with you as well if/when he does play those 8 minutes.

 

whoever can sell the most product will get the nod, it's the rule of GNP dominated economics. Lillard should get a coaches nod. I voted for 4 Blazers and 4 Blazers only every day, so he's got my votes. I wrote in Wes everytime as well. Where can we see the write in results?

 

Why didn't you vote for RoLo? He's the biggest reason we're as good as we are. He changed everything.

 

If I had two write in votes I would have. I thought Wes should have been on the ballot so I stuck with him.

 

Don't confuse KingSpeed with obvious facts about the ballot. He's the one who thought the entire city of Portland should unite to vote for the Blazers, but apparently he hasn't even looked at a ballot.

 

Whatever split there might have been between Parker and Duncan as a "Spurs-must" coach's vote was likely reduced last night when Parker put up 37.

This really hurts Lillard's chances to be voted in as Parker is effectively his direct competition. Might help if Lillard puts up 40 in a win on national TV tonight, but at this point I would bet that he won't make it.

 

If Kobe plays team is almost set

Kobe
Curry
Durant
Griffin
Howard
Paul
Harden
Parker (or Dame)
LMA
Love
Dirk
Cousins (or possibly/preferably Anthony Davis, longshot Duncan)


There is zero precedent for the coaches voting in 4 guards out of their 7 selections, so seems unlikely Lillard would replace Cousins/AD

 

http://www.basketball-reference.com...m=0&p1=lillada01&y1=2014&p2=parketo01&y2=2014

 

Dame has been in a mini-slump after his 41pt outburst. Not sure this will affect the coaches' mindset, but it could.

Is it bad that I'm kinda hoping they leave him off? He'll not only get more motivated for the rest of the season, but consider that he also will be in the rookie game, the skills challenge, and the 3pt contest. Let him get a day to rest.

 

Seems like the Clips have been playing better without Paul.

 

Always entertaining to see how badly Barkley/Kenny/Shaq can screw up their reserve picks. One of them will probably name Klay Thompson or something similarly insane.

 

Paul seems really judgmental towards his teammates when they screw up or miss shots. Maybe less pressure with him off the floor.

 

I don't understand how, in a league with so many All-Star caliber guards, they pick so many bigs....