NBA All-Star Reserves: Thunderous Intentions Team make their picks
Joshua Lea: @joshualeaa
Western Conference Reserves:
Baby Dame – Baby Dame should get the west reserve role for dropping dimes everywhere. I kid, he’s only averaging around five assist a game. Still he is an All-Star player, even in the midst of Portland’s struggles this season.
Russell Westbrook – The NBA can be a difficult and unusual place. It’s hard to ignore the statistical output of Westbrook. It’s also hard to imagine an NBA All-Star Game where Westbrook doesn’t start. Everyone wanted to see Kevin Durant and Westbrook start together, it would have been awkward and I bet you Westbrook wouldn’t look at Durant on the floor together. To the NBA, Westbrook not an All-Star starter? That’s a paddling.
Klay Thompson – Why not? He’s played well with the “deatheaters” known as the Golden State Warriors. However, the 60 point outburst earlier in the season shows why Thompson deserves a spot. He can ball.
His Dirkness – This is similar to D-Wade. Dirk should be voted into a reserve role purely out of respect. He’s brought a lot to the game through his entire career. He should get one last chance to play in an All-Star Game.
DeMarcus Cousins – Let me just say, I love DeMarcus Cousins. He’s the Rasheed Wallace of this generation. Anyone notice the Kings beat Cleveland last night in overtime. They are on their way up with Cousins leading the way.
Blake Griffin – The walking double-double out of Los Angeles should definitely be a reserve this season. He’s had some injury issues and if he’s healthy should get a chance to play in the All-Star game. He’ll likely have a highlight where he dunks on somebody. That’s the biggest reason to watch Griffin.
Steven Adams – This isn’t even a basketball move. Steven Adams should get a chance to be an All-Star reserve due to the fact that he’s a funny guy. Adams brings that goof-ball mentality to the NBA. He’ll make the All-Star Game interviews worth watching, that’s for sure.
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Eastern Conference Reserves:
Kyle Lowry – This guy has been putting in serious work for the Toronto Raptors. He’s averaging 22 points a game, six rebounds, and almost seven assist a game. Some even argue that Kyle should have been an Eastern starter because of his play this season. However, I’m sure he’ll make his presence known in the All-Star Game.
Isaiah Thomas – His numbers speak for themselves. However, his story is one that I like even more. From the last pick in the draft, to the rising star in Boston. Thomas is for sure a lock to be in the reserves, and in my opinion should be starting.
Paul George – Indiana’s status as an elite team in the Eastern Conference is somewhat In jeopardy this season. There also were rumblings of Paul George wanting to be traded. However, George has proven to be one of the best scorers from the outside range in years past.
D-Wade – Wade should get a reserve role purely out of respect. What Wade has done throughout his career cannot be ignored. Just look at the status of Miami without him.
Kevin Love – Why not? Kevin Love is still a good player. Sometimes, Love gets lost in the shuffle in Cleveland with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. However, if you take Kevin Love and place him in Miami, he instantly becomes the number one guy.
Carmelo Anthony – This is another, why not situation. Anthony’s numbers, attitude, and overall play have dipped over the last few seasons. However, he can still score at will. Give Anthony a few minutes in the game and he could light it up.
Joel Embiid – Everyone’s favorite NBA player this season has been Joel Embiid. The process works, Embiid is the reason Philly is winning games and isn’t the laughing stock of the NBA. Some say he should be a starter as well. However, I think a reserve role is best suited for him. Let’s just hope management doesn’t limit his PT.