Courtesy: USA Today
I usually have a few weeks of downtime in between articles but, a recently heated debate among a group of my peers made me move my timeline up a week early. The debate revolved around the new rules regarding All-Star roster positioning and deserving players. I personally disagree with the idea that the center position is now somehow obsolete.
I get the feeling that Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Marcin Gortat, and Roy Hibbert would all agree with me. Speaking of Gortat and Hibbert, I have a bone to pick with everyone who thinks that Hibbert is a legit All-Star! Although the post season occurs well after the All-Star break, I NEVER saw Hibbert as an All-Star. Not this season or any other season prior. The icing on the cake came during the 2013-2014 playoffs, when Hibbert went scoreless in not one, not two, not three, but FOUR games! That’s just ridiculous! Especially when you’re a 7-2 skyscraping center. Utterly disgusting!
I still can’t fathom how the coaches and fans could overlook Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat, as either a starter or a reserve on the Eastern Conference roster. His averages of 13 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, were significantly better than Hibbert’s 10 points and 6 rebounds. I know the overall consensus among members of the media is that Hibbert was selected to the team based on his defense not his offense. Really? If that’s the case then Gortat should’ve been selected over Hibbert.
I know in recent years that there have been players who were snubbed and fans along with members of the media alike, were at a loss for words and left scratching their heads. I’m carrying the flag for Gortat regarding this recent injustice. The line has got to be drawn and I say that now is as good a time as any. Regardless of his odd behavior, Lance Stephenson should have been on that roster. So Hibbert not only stole Gortat’s spot on the Eastern Conference roster, he managed to side swipe his own teammate as well.
The same guy who led the entire NBA in triple doubles at the time. It’s my personal opinion that anyone who registers a triple double is by far the ultimate team player. Stephenson not only led the league in triple doubles, he also averaged MORE REBOUNDS than his “All-Star” teammate! I’m sorry if I sound like a Hibbert hater but, oh what the hell, I am! Being named an All-Star is an honor that should always be bestowed upon the BEST players at their position. Let’s all take responsibility for the carelessness that goes into the selection process because let’s face it, we’re all guilty in a sense. No more future Hibbert over Gortat selections, no more Stephen Curry snubs. I think you guys get what I’m trying to say.
Let’s get it right once and for all!
