I think Mutombo should be given Yao's spot at the All-Star game for all he has done on the court AND off the court. Yao should maybe even get some input on who he wants to take his starting spot, and Mutombo plays as his backup. I don't see a better situation. This guy is at an all time high right now. Still productive at 40, plus he was recognized by Bush at the State of the Union address. That would be beautiful if Stern chose Mutombo to fill the spot, give back to him for all he has done to showcase himself as a humanitarian, global ambassador, and an NBA player. That goes hand in hand with Stern trying to improve the NBA's image. The chances are slim, but let's hope for the best.
i cannot disagree with that, Mutombo should start over Yao. He is a legend, and for all these charity work he has done, he deserves it.
D'Antoni chooses the replacement. Who do you think is going to start? It would be awesome if everyone got really sentimental and gave him the nod.
Unfortunately, charitable works aren't high up on the criteria of NBA All-Stars. No chance Deke makes the team.
we already had a thread on this. somehow. and it's ridiculous. he doesn't have the numbers. he hasn't played enough minutes in enough games. The guy is rebounding well and blocking some shots, but that's about it..? Love having him. But all star berths aren't based on charitable donations.
i'd put magic on a little bit of a higher level then dikembe . anyways magic was voted in. dikembe seems to be a great guy but he shouldn't be an all-star this year.
hey AB, in your Mutombo thread, what would you have thought had someone written, "When the President of the United States needs a boost in ratings, he calls Mutombo on the phone to ask him to sit next to his wife." haha who wants to sex Mutombo!
I wish Mutombo could play as well, but he has attended 8 All Star games in his great career so he knows the experience. Mutombo's main competition for Western Conference Center: Stoudemire: 18.7 points, 9.1 boards, 1.4 blocks, .602 FG%, 30 min Camby: 12.1 points, 12.6 boards, 2.9 blocks, .479 FG%, 33 min Okur: 17.6 points, 7.3 boards, 0.6 blocks, .475 FG%, 33 min Kaman: 10.3 points, 7.8 boards, 1.4 blocks.462 FG%, 29 min Mutombo: 3.1 points, 6.6 boards, 1.1 blocks, .548 FG%, 16 min 2-3 centers will be picked tops. On top of those players above, other guys might be considered for centers for the All Star game such as Duncan and Dirk. I think there is no way D'Antoni (who choses the bench players) selects Deke. But what Deke does have going for him is that David Stern selects Yao's replacement and Stern loves Deke and they are friends, so there is that small outside chance. Interesting side note: when I was looking at the stats for Western Conference centers Mutombo was ranked 10th in efficeincy behind Yao, Duncan, Camby, Okur, Blount, Dampier, Kaman, Brad Miller, and Bynum. Not bad for a back-up in the twilight of his career. This stat results also speaks to the lack of quality centers in the game today.