They talked about the Blazers a bit, but my favorite part of the podcast was when they brought a couple fans on and they took Jalen and Jacoby to task about the All-Star game. Worth a listen. http://www.grantland.com/podcasts They talked about Kobe, and they asked the kids what they thought. "Everybody thinks (Kobe) is going to make it because everyone knows his name. They don't want him not in the All-Star game, but if that happens he's taking away spots from guys like Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge." Jacoby said he would rather Kobe be there than Dame, even though he knows it's unjust. The other kid bitch slapped him. "I don't agree with it. I want to see Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge, I want to see guys get credit for the hard work they're're doing this year. It's the 2013-2014 All-Star game, it's not the Hall of Fame game."
The all star game is a joke, I think Aldridge realizes that now. MVP and a ring is a much better statement, and it's the path he has chosen.
If I were a player I'd care a helluva lot more about making the All-NBA list than being selected for the shit show that is the All-Star game ... especially since it means giving up a 3 or 4 day break in the middle of a very long season.
With LeBron being basically a lock for the first team only one of Durant, Paul George, LaMarcus can make it. The 3rd place MVP might be 2nd team all-NBA.
Since LMA is a lock either way and Lillard has no chance Kobe would not be taking an All-Star spot from any blazers
