It's been a long time coming. He deserves it. Maybe he finally found a home that actually wants him. Just like Jim Jackson has.
I think Sam's earned it this year too -- I voted for him. He's putting up good stats and leading his team to the top of the Midwest (with a little help obviously). But, apparently we're in the minority... check out these results as of Dec. 24... http://www.nba.com/news/allstar_031224.html Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,333,262 Steve Francis (Hou.) 727,103 Gary Payton (LAL) 537,132 Steve Nash (Dal.) 461,592 Emanuel Ginobili (S.A.) 440,827 Mike Bibby (Sac.) 346,280 Tony Parker (S.A.) 274,630 Michael Finley (Dal.) 200,677 Ray Allen (Sea.) 187,282 Cuttino Mobley (Hou.) 161,230 Sam's not even in the top 10 vote getters for Western guards (but Ginobili is #5??). I hope the coaches do pick him as the backup.
It's a shame. With the exception of Kobe, Sam has had a better season than all of those guards. And I think it could be arguable that Sam has had an even better season than Kobe.
Good old Sam, Ranks #12 in the NBA in Points Per Game(20.8) Ranks #5 in the NBA in Assists Per Game(7.5) Ranks #10 in the NBA in Field-Goal Percentage(0.503) Ranks #15 in the NBA in Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage(0.407) Ranks #7 in the NBA in Field Goals Made(309.0) Ranks #16 in the NBA in Field Goal Attempts(614.0) Ranks #6 in the NBA in Assists(277.0) Ranks #13 in the NBA in Points(768.0) Ranks #9 in the NBA in Assists Per Turnover(3.04) Ranks #4 in the NBA in Field Goals Per 48 Minutes(11.03) Ranks #7 in the NBA in Assists Per 48 Minutes(9.9) Ranks #13 in the NBA in Points Per 48 Minutes(27.4) Ranks #12 in the NBA in Total Efficiency Points(798.0) Ranks #14 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking(21.57) Ranks #13 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking Per 48 Minutes(28.48)
Even though he's not "popular", he WILL get selected this year by the coachs. These are the guys who really know the game, with them its not really a popularity contest. Sam is in this year!
Sam is definetly going to the all-star game this year. He truly deserves it. And I think the coaches are thinking the same thing. He's playing wonderful basketball and I think he's actually shooting over 50% from the floor. Go Sam!
Already voted for him. An underrated player, truly deserving to be in the all star game. Too bad he won't make it though. Damn popularity contest
Look at it this way...looks like SF will be the starting PG if the rankings above hold. While all of us Rox fans will be happy to see this, who would we all rather have as our PG right now, Steve or Sam? 'Nuff said...
