Well, at least Ben made it as a reserve. I think everyone knew that once Shaq was traded to the Eastern Conference this off season that Big Ben’s reign as the East starting center was all but over. When the fans get the vote sometimes things like this happen, players get selected to start that have no right being starters let alone being on the All-Star team period. I am not talking about Shaq, he deserves to start as well as be there. I am talking about two of the other starters that have no right whatsoever starting, Allen Iverson and Vince Carter. The argument could be made for A.I. at least as a reserve, but Vince Carter should be on vacation during the All-Star break. That guy is a puss, he is overrated and doesn’t belong anywhere near the All-Star game unless it is as a spectator in the stands! But, as fans vote, sometimes you get controversy and a lot of time you get snubs.
Speaking of snubs, Rip and Chauncey definitely come to mind as far as I am concerned. Wade deserves to be there, in fact that is who I think should be starting in the place of A.I. The name that sticks out, to me, is one Gilbert Arenas. He is simply having a “stat” year, nothing more and nothing less. The Wizards are definitely a surprise team in the East, but not because of Arenas and his contributions. They have turned it around due to the play of Antwain Jamison and what he has brought to the team, also earning a much deserved spot as a reserve. Arenas is putting up some decent stats, but that is all they are – he put up similar numbers last year, but did the Wizards do anything then? No!!!! I would take Rip and Chauncey any day, any game and any game before I took him, and that is why all I can say is “snub”. But, for what it is worth, Rip can do this year what Chauncey did last year – win a Finals MVP Award before ever being selected to an All-Star game. Maybe a little bold, but I can see it happening all the same. But when you play like a team sometimes the individual accolades get passed by the sum of the whole, that whole being the team. Just look at the New England Patriots, they have less Pro Bowlers than the Steelers, and we all know what they did to Pittsburgh. In the end, it all comes down to “team” and as the old cliché goes, there is no “I” in team.
For what it is worth, here is an ESPN link to the All-Star roster, listing the starters and the reserves. Enjoy the day and we will talk to you all later – the sports dude.
Luke Waltons Forehead presented by the Sports Dude.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005 at 11:37 AM
Feeling a little "snubbish" today.
Dan Joseph said...
I was actually hoping that Francis would have started over Wade. He's a better PG. Wade is only good with Shaq drawing guys off him.
As for Rip and Chauncey, Rip hasn't been as dominent as last year, and Chauncey has been up and down. Unfortunately, neither made enougn noise to earn a spot this year.
Rip is due for a spot soon. Last year was a farce he was left out. Next year he should be in contention. We'll see.
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