With all the players who were named this year to represent the Western Conference, there are a few players Lillard should have gotten the nod over.
Honorable Mention:
Russell Westbrook: There is not much that can be said about
Thunder's guards Westbrook all-star nod. His numbers are better with 26.1ppg,
7.6reb, and 2.3, and have been the Thunders MVP throughout the first half of
the season. When comparing Lillard to Westbrook it’s obvious why Westbrook has
the all-star nod. However, having a winning team record should be a major
factor when selecting players for an all-star. If the playoffs were to start
today, for the first time since 2008, OKC would not qualify. The Thunder are
25-25 on the season, and are sitting in tenth place in the Western
Conference.
3. DeMarcus Cousins: After the surprise all-star snub, there
was still some hope that Damian Lillard would still make the all-star roster,
but as an injury replacement for Los Angles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. He was
not voted in by the fans, he was not selected as a reserve by the coaches, and
when it came down to selecting Bryant's replacement, commissioner Adam Silver
picked Demarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings. Now, Cousins is having a great
year across the broads with 23.7ppg, 12.5rebs, and 1.6blk, but with a team
record of 17-31, Lillard should have gotten the nod for having a winning
recorder. Yeah, the All-Star game is known for showcasing the best talent the
leagues have to offer, but leading your team to the fourth best record (34-16)
in the Western Conference should be enough to get the nod from the league's
commissioner.
2. Tim Duncan: There isn't much that can be taken away from the
greatest power forward to ever play. The five-time NBA champion, and two-time
league MVP has been named an all-star 15-times during his hall-of-fame career.
However, of all his selections, this is the first time someone should have made
it over Duncan. His per-game averages of 14.5ppg, 10.2reb, and 3.1ast are
pretty good for a 38 year old NBA veteran, but not enough for an all-star
selection.
1. Kevin Durant: Of all the players who were named all-stars
this year, the 2014 league MVP deserve the nod the least. Yes, Kevin Durant is
having a good season statistically with 25.2ppg, 4.1rebs, & 6.7rebs. And
has had some great game this season like the 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting in
19 minutes against the Warriors, and leading OKC to a 109-102 victory against
the Wizards, However, due to major injuries, Durant has only played in 21 of
the Thunder's 45 games. And much like his teammate Russell Westbrook, Lillard
should have been named an all-star by having a better team record, and has
played in all 50 games for the Trailblazers.
