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http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/12327616p-13192680c.html
Joe D's countdown
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Sunday, February 13, 2005
Players downplay any NBA All-Star snub, or perceived slight, but it's generally a ruse. Of course, an athlete wants to be honored, or at least have the option to turn down the invitation. Of the Kings, point guard Mike Bibby was brutally honest about his disappointment at not making his first All-Star team. The Countdown takes a closer look at where three Kings players could have fit into the mix.
1. Bibby: In the midst of arguably his best season and as arguably the Kings' most critical cog, he could have made the West team if fan voting wasn't such a major part of the All-Star process. Kobe Bryant was voted a starter despite missing 14 games because of injury. Bryant could have been in traction since the summer, and he would have garnered enough votes, which explains the problem. Phoenix's Steve Nash should be the starting West point guard, Bibby the reserve and Bryant back home nursing his ankle. Bibby could still make the All-Star team if Bryant decides against playing.
2. Chris Webber: He has played so well after catastrophic knee surgery that he should have warranted stronger consideration from voting coaches. With Rashard Lewis earning a reserve forward spot, there's an argument that even that system is somewhat flawed. Has Lewis impacted the Seattle SuperSonics as much as Webber has the Kings? Still, Webber has an outside chance to go if San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan is laboring with a sore knee and pulls out.
3. Brad Miller: As it stands, there is only one true center on the West team. Last year, there were three - Yao Ming, Shaquille O'Neal and Miller. Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire and Lewis were picked, apparently, for their ability to race up and down the floor with Yao standing in as one too many plodding centers in the All-Star mix already. Good luck against Shaq, fellas.
Joe D's countdown
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Sunday, February 13, 2005
Players downplay any NBA All-Star snub, or perceived slight, but it's generally a ruse. Of course, an athlete wants to be honored, or at least have the option to turn down the invitation. Of the Kings, point guard Mike Bibby was brutally honest about his disappointment at not making his first All-Star team. The Countdown takes a closer look at where three Kings players could have fit into the mix.
1. Bibby: In the midst of arguably his best season and as arguably the Kings' most critical cog, he could have made the West team if fan voting wasn't such a major part of the All-Star process. Kobe Bryant was voted a starter despite missing 14 games because of injury. Bryant could have been in traction since the summer, and he would have garnered enough votes, which explains the problem. Phoenix's Steve Nash should be the starting West point guard, Bibby the reserve and Bryant back home nursing his ankle. Bibby could still make the All-Star team if Bryant decides against playing.
2. Chris Webber: He has played so well after catastrophic knee surgery that he should have warranted stronger consideration from voting coaches. With Rashard Lewis earning a reserve forward spot, there's an argument that even that system is somewhat flawed. Has Lewis impacted the Seattle SuperSonics as much as Webber has the Kings? Still, Webber has an outside chance to go if San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan is laboring with a sore knee and pulls out.
3. Brad Miller: As it stands, there is only one true center on the West team. Last year, there were three - Yao Ming, Shaquille O'Neal and Miller. Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire and Lewis were picked, apparently, for their ability to race up and down the floor with Yao standing in as one too many plodding centers in the All-Star mix already. Good luck against Shaq, fellas.
