12/22/24
January 30, 2004
In the only surprise to be found in the NBA All-Star Starter Vote, Yao edges out Shaq to get the starting nod. Complete voting results here. So should we take the obvious stance and say that Shaq's injuries were the difference-maker, or is the torch actually being passed?
posted by Ufez Jones to basketball at 10:09 AM - 11 comments
No love whatsoever for Elton Brand, despite his 20 and 12 numbers. Malik Rose (7 ppg, 5 rpg) received more votes at forward. I hate the Clippers.
posted by mbd1 at 10:35 AM on January 30, 2004
All Star games = Popularity Contests designed exclusively for TV. (YAWN)
posted by scully at 10:43 AM on January 30, 2004
True, but as biased as they are, all-star games do play a part in a player's legacy. Will Vince Carter be remember as a great player? I certainly hope not.
posted by corpse at 10:55 AM on January 30, 2004
Brand probably suffered from only playing about 25% of the first half of the season, mbd1. And the Clippers legacy. And to clarify, I meant the torch passing as far as Yao being the more popular player. And I was reminded by an article earlier that Yao actually won the starting spot last year as well. D'oh. Anyways...
posted by Ufez Jones at 10:59 AM on January 30, 2004
How did Jason Kidd not get a starting spot?
posted by billsaysthis at 11:00 AM on January 30, 2004
Kidd has played better this month, but he was horrible for a long stretch at the beginning of the season.
posted by dusted at 11:09 AM on January 30, 2004
Brand has played in 30 of the Clippers first 43 - roughly 70% of the first half. He basically missed the month of November.
posted by mbd1 at 11:19 AM on January 30, 2004
Damn, he's been back for that long? This season is flying by.
posted by Ufez Jones at 11:23 AM on January 30, 2004
posted by forksclovetofu at 12:13 PM on January 30, 2004
Cassell should make it in on the reserves, though...
posted by cobra! at 01:49 PM on January 30, 2004
I do not think the torch is being passed BUT I think Yao deserves the start more than Shaq. I think it's great seeing someone that tall dominate and make a difference in the game. As for the torch, it will be passed if Houston can win atleast two championships within the next five seasons.