I understand NBA All-Star selections generate all sorts of debate. Perhaps that’s one of the by-products of a league whose representative game needs to condense 448 players into 10, split between two teams and rounded out by a handful of back-ups.
Most of the debate regarding selections usually pertains to the reserve players which are nominated by league coaches. The actual starters, usually the biggest names in the game, are selected by the people and supposedly for the people.
It’s a noble process which delivers more in the way of familiarity rather than rewarding excellence.
This season is no exception.
I don’t feel Miami’s Dwyane Wade warrants a starting spot on the East roster, in fact I’m not so sure he would have even deserved a reserve call-up had he not filled a starting role.
Wade’s Miami hasn’t exactly treated the regular season with too much seriousness.
For a team slapped with a 63-game handicap and expectations of repeating as champions they’re instead on target to win a relatively pedestrian 55 matches which may or may not be good enough for the East’s top seed.
Thankfully for Miami, Lebron James has continued to be excel, while Chris Bosh has seen his role change has he is now playing a lot closer to the ring.
Despite not posting phenomenal numbers, his performance can be best tracked through win share where’s he’s on target for his best season yet.
Wade on the other hand is having his worst season since his rookie campaign nine years ago. He’s scoring a lot less, contributing relatively little in assists, while less than 30% of Miami’s offence is being run through him.
This is a number he hasn’t slipped below since his debut season.
In addition, he constitutes no threat whatsoever from long range, having nailed just 14 three pointers all season.
There’s still four years and $77 million left on Wade’s contract and if it wasn’t for the two titles he’s been instrumental in bringing to Miami (in addition to the role he played in getting LeBron to town) then I’m sure Miami would be looking very seriously about freeing themselves of his deal.
Instead, Miami must continue its so far unspectacular season, hardly aided by Wade.
Wade will be on the floor at the start of the All Star game shaking hands and enjoying being surrounded by the game’s best. At the same time he should most definitely feel he’s the odd one out.
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