In the Lane with Licht: All-Star Picks

February 9, 2007

Bob Licht Feedback? Email Bob LICHTcast audio: Desmond Mason on All-Star snubs Bobby Jackson on Carmelo's All-Star snub

My take on the NBA All-Star game controversy is similar to the one I hear every four years regarding the Presidential election: if you don’t vote don’t complain.

However, if you did vote and you’re still upset with who’s in and who’s out in this year’s mid-season spectacular then consider yourself in the majority. Most of the fans I’ve talked to about the voting process don’t like it (and they participate in it!) and very few believe it’s a true indication of which players are having the best seasons.

On one hand I like the idea of including veterans who have accomplished so much in their careers. On the other, I believe this is the time to hand off the baton to the next wave of stars.

So, how do we solve this dilemma? I asked Desmond Mason that question and he believes letting coaches pick the STARTERS and fans choosing the reserves is one way. You’ll hear his complete rundown on our LICHTcast.

I agree with Dez. The coaches see the stars (and even those they don’t see in person they see game tape on and are in a better position to evaluate than the fans). Fans must be included in the process though. Perhaps we can create a few “Hall of Fame” spots on each year’s team…a player or group of players with Hall credentials who fans can choose from and add to the team.

Email me with your ideas and I’ll compile the best in a future column!

For what it’s worth…here’s my list of All-Star starters this season…based not on votes…not on career numbers…not on popularity outside of the United States…but on how they’re playing THIS SEASON so far:

This differs greatly from the fans’ voting which has this group heading to Las Vegas next weekend:

The main differences in the East are Bosh and Shaq. Both Butler and Bosh play for first place teams…both are having career seasons…and both are underrated relative to the publicity they receive. Shaq does not deserve to play in this year’s game because he missed most of the first half with a knee injury. Let’s reward Howard as one of the few true big men having a breakthrough season. If he leads the league in rebounding this season he’ll be the youngest ever to do so. He’s also part of an improved Orlando team.

The main differences in the West are Nash and Anthony. This is where I put my foot down. Nash is a two-time defending MVP leading his team to the second-best record in the entire NBA. He’s also leading the league in assists (again), is second in three point percentage, and in general is having a better season than either of his MVP campaigns! Carmelo Anthony leads the league in scoring (30.1 PPG) and a leading scorer has NEVER been left off of an NBA all-star roster. We all know why he’s not on the team…but why punish a guy TWICE for the same crime? He served his 15-game suspension, didn’t whine about it, and is one of the most exciting talents in the league today. Isn’t that what the All-Star Classic is supposed to be about? Click onto Bobby Jackson’s comments for his take on Carmelo’s snub.

I understand there is no perfect way to pick from the multitude of NBA stars, but let’s take a little more control of this system so that the players having the REAL all star seasons can actually play in the game. Players, fans, and THE GAME will all benefit.

Listen to Mason’s take on this subject as well as Bobby Jackson’s opinion on whether Tyson Chandler’s dramatic 2007 start should earn him a spot as an all-star reserve by clicking onto the LICHTcast on this column.