Joseph D'Amico

Love, Aldridge Headline List of All Star Snubs. By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – Full disclosure forces me to point out that I’ve never been all that big of a fan of All-Star games. In fact, I have a very tough time figuring out people who like these types of things.

I was stunned the NFL’s Pro Bowl recorded its best television ratings in 11 years last weekend, and I’m even more surprised that the NHL is still considered a major league sport after its embarrassing, rinky-dink playground All-Star format was unleashed on dozens of unsuspecting viewers via Versus on channel 2,046 of my local cable outlet. After all, when you come up with a gimmick that would make Bill Veeck or Vince McMahon blush, it’s probably a pretty comforting thought knowing no one is actually watching your product.

Over in the NBA, things are slightly better. Unlike those other sports the game of basketball actually lends itself quite well to an All-Star format. That said, in the grand scheme of things, the actual NBA contest, like all the rest, is meaningless.

The honor, however, is anything but. Being named an All-Star is still a major deal for NBA players, whether it’s a veteran on the downside of a spectacular career like Tim Duncan, or a first-timer like Blake Griffin. Missing the cut, meanwhile, is often a tough pill to swallow, especially when All-Star appearances don’t dot the resume on a yearly basis.

For the most part, the league’s coaches, who pick the reserves, do an outstanding job. Very few players have much to complain about this season with a few notable exceptions.

So, with that in mind, let’s look at the biggest snubs for the 2011 NBA All-Star Game set for Feb. 20 in Los Angeles…

1. – Kevin Love – Forward – Minnesota Timberwolves

Last week I wrote a column about K-Love called “When an All-Star is not an All-Star.” Love’s numbers are unquestionably All-Star worthy but his teammates, coaches and organization let him down. Minnesota is just so bad that the West’s coaches didn’t feel comfortable honoring any player from the club. That’s why a guy who leads The Association in rebounding and double- doubles, while recording the first 30-30 game in nearly 30 years will have to wait at least another year.

Kevin Love’s numbers are unquestionably All-Star worthy.

“Kevin Love not making the All-Star team was a travesty,” TNT analyst and former All-Star Charles Barkley said. “Kevin Love is leading the league in rebounding and you can talk all you want about being on a good team or a bad team. [There is] no way you can get 15 rebounds a game even on a bad team and that not be impressive.”

Love, however, could be David Stern’s pick as Yao Ming’s injury replacement.

2. – LaMarcus Aldridge – Forward – Portland Trail Blazers

Aldridge was a victim of numbers. The West is loaded with stud power forwards and the Texas product failed to overcome the reputations of players like Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, despite being the only player out West averaging at least 20 points, nine rebounds and one steal per game, while carrying an injury-plagued Portland team on his back.

“I think you should take three guys off (the Spurs) when you win that many games,” TNT’s Kenny Smith said when queried about Duncan’s selection. “You’re not winning 35-36 games and beating the league, you’re destroying the league. [Duncan] is the best defensive player on that team.”

3. – Monta Ellis – Guard – Golden State

Ellis is the best pure scorer that was snubbed. A true combo guard that can beat just about anyone off the dribble, the slender Ellis fills it up to the tune of over 25.0 points a night but the Warriors just haven’t made enough progress.

4. – Carlos Boozer – Forward – Chicago Bulls

Boozer probably can’t complain all that much since he missed so much time with injuries but the Bulls have been so good when he’s on the floor, you can certainly argue he was more deserving than a Joe Johnson, who has also missed a significant amount of time with an injury.

Smith disagreed, however. “[Johnson] is too hard to guard and he is appreciated by the NBA coaches,” the former point guard said. “The Atlanta Hawks are a dangerous team and that’s why he got in.”

5. – Lamar Odom – Forward/Center – Los Angeles Lakers

Perhaps the most skilled big man in the game, Odom is another victim of the numbers game out West. Mr. Kardashian averages a near double-double at 15.4 ppg and 9.6 rebounds, along with 2.9 assists. His length along with the ability to play any position on the front line and facilitate the offense, makes him one of the toughest pure matchups in the NBA.

6. – Luol Deng – Forward – Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose is the MVP candidate in Chicago, the injured Joakim Noah is the defensive stopper and Boozer is the consistent low-post presence, but Deng has been the glue-guy for the Bulls all season. The Duke product is the one constant for Tom Thibodeau in an injury-filled season, helping Chicago run away from the rest of the Central Division and compete with Miami for the second seed in the East.

7. – Raymond Felton – Guard – New York Knicks

Felton has faltered a bit recently but is having a career-year under coach Mike D’Antoni in Gotham and has teamed with All-Star power forward Amare Stoudemire to make the Knicks relevant again.

“I definitely thought Raymond Felton should be a part of the team because you look at Amare Stoudemire. A lot of people questioned if he would do as well as he’s doing without [former Suns teammate] Steve Nash,” former Kings All-Star Chris Webber said. “But (Felton) has come in and not only has he played well in New York but look at how (his former team) Charlotte is doing without him.”

8. – Zach Randolph – Forward – Memphis Grizzlies

Another double-double machine out West, Randolph is one of the best low post scorers in the game and would be a gimmee if he played in the much-thinner Eastern Conference.

“Trying to find All-Stars in the Eastern Conference is like going into a bar and trying to pick up a bunch of ugly girls — someone has to win,” Barkley deadpanned. 

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