In other news james harden is the all star starter

Wait, is Kerr the one who ultimately decides who starts? I thought it was a coach voting thing just like with the bench lineup.

 

The commissioner decides who gets Kobe's spot on the squad, but Kerr decides who starts in Kobe's place.

 

Was just listening to NBA RADIO and they pushing for KLAY to start

Rocket River

 

who cares? lets just enjoy the fact we have James Harden. let the haters hate, we will still love him and appreciate him. and when he goes and dumps on the haters we will be laughing.

I seriously hate theall-star weekend the popularity and all the BS

 

Rather have Harden get snubbed.

That could piss him off and add more motivation..

 

wait has Klay even made the team? I thought the reserves were not announced yet

assuming the following players are locks in the backcourt (or they should be locks)

Paul, Harden, Westbrook

Then you have the following backcourt players who you could also make a case for to get the final spots:

Lillard, Klay and possibly Rondo or Conley

now if its 12 players total on a team and 7 are bench guys then you have 7 other players (though now 8 with kobe's injury) to round out the team.

so if there is an even split (4 guards and 4 bigs regardless of position) then you can say there are 2 open guard spots - I would be shocked if either Paul or Harden are left off the team.

Now that leaves pick 2 of the 3 - Lillard, Westbrook and Klay. Its hard to argue against Lillard considering the season he is having and its really just a two man show in portland with he being option 1A. Despite the early injuries Westbrook has come back very strong (28ppg, 8.6apg and 6.8 rpg 27.9PER) the thunder are 18-12 when he plays and 4-10 without him.

Klay stats are very nice too but he isn't the primary focus on his team the way guys like Paul, Harden, Westbrook, Lillard, Curry are (granted with Durant and Aldridge are like huge guys too but they are the PGs and have the ball in their hands more) Klay may get a nod if coaches feel they need to have another "SG" and not a bunch of PGs on the bench.

 

The battle goes

JAMES HARDEN WINS BECAUSE HE WAS NEXT IN LINE. (AFTER KOBE) ALL STAR VOTES

 

I'm not sure how you got that order of priority. Among guards, Harden is a shoe-in, of course, then Klay is right after him. He's going to be (and should be) a more obvious selection than any other guard in the west. Westbrook and the Thunder have been mediocre this season. There is literally ZERO chance that Westbrook makes the team *over* Klay. Same with Paul, although he has a better chance than Westbrook, too.

Lillard has a good shot, too. Conley has almost no chance I think. I mean you still have guys like Durant that are going to most likely get picked.

Anyways, long story short: barring injury, there is literally a 100% chance that Klay Thompson makes the team.

 

Kerr will start Harden because he started last year and pissing him off for a meaningless game isn't the drama or distraction his team needs if they cross paths in the offseason.

 

If Klay starts over Harden, it will be the worst starter lineup I have ever seen all star games.

 

Stein's picks for All-Star reserves

 

So stupid... (not you but Stien)
(No durant since injured)

Lillard
Harden

Aldridge
Dirk
Cousins

Paul
Conley

(with Durant)
Lillard
Harden

Durant
Aldridge
Cousins

Westbrook (because if you include Durant then you MUST include westbrook since he has played way more games)
Paul

 

Wouldn't you shift Klay to the front court if that's the case?

 

This is All Stars game, a game for all fans. Therefore, someone who should replace Kobe is the player next in line because he should be the next most popular among fans. The coach's job is to coach whoever selected by fans, not by him. If somehow, Kerr selects Klay over Harden, well...it will be way too personal. I dont think Kerr will do that even though he has the rights.

 

lol

Harden didn't start last year.

 

yes he did

 

He was a replacement starter, he meant. Not voted in.

 

lol

1 Scott Brooks chose James Harden to start in place of the injured Kobe Bryant.