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.
jagged
Guest
Do you understand why FG% is important? It's about efficient use of possessions, you know, the things that determine the outcome of basketball games. If Wade is shooting a high percentage (and he is, career high in fact), then he's not using very many possessions to get his points. If he was shooting a low FG%, then those extra possessions would be squandered because they would result in Wade misses, not shots for his teammates. So Wade is averaging a career low 15 shots per game and still producing 21 ppg. Would you rather have that or Westbrook's 22 ppg on 18 shots? Think about it-- who is Westbrook taking those extra three shots away from? Oh yeah, the leading scorer in the NBA. Further, Wade's minutes have been reduced to 34 per game (as opposed to say, LeBron who plays about 38, which is the around the amount superstars typically play.). Of all the league's scorers in the top ten, Wade is playing by far the fewest minutes (and taking the fewest shots) If you gave him an extra four minutes of court time, then his stats would spike. But, he's still providing approximately 21/5/5 on 51% shooting. And as others have pointed out, he's coming off of knee surgery Not to mention, he's sharing the floor (and shots) with three other Hall of Famers (Ray Allen is a lock; Bosh will probably get in eventually), including the best player in the world, as well as other players on the deepest team the Heat have had in the big-3 era. However, the realm of logic is where your article completely falls apart. You fault Wade for Miami's win pace, but not LeBron, even though he's unquestionably the leader of the team. Then you allude to Chris Bosh's role having changed without acknowledging that Wade's role has changed more than anyone. Wade used to do for Miami what LeBron did for Cleveland. Then, their first year together, they tried to both play the same role at the same time. After losing in the Finals that year, Wade humbled himself and turned HIS team over to James. He plays off the ball whereas, previously, he was the one who always had the ball. Before LeBron arrived, Wade was consistently a 7 apg player. Finally, you assert that Wade shouldn't get an all-star spot without stating which guards in the East are outplatying him should be on the team instead. Let me clear it up for you-- there are none. Even in his so-called "worst season since his rookie campaign", he still has the best numbers of any guard in the East.
james rosewarne
Roar Guru
I understand he's had some injuries while his role has also changed a lot since LeBron came to town, though I disagree that it all boils down to FG%. If that was the case and constituted the only meaningful measure of achievement, then someone like Asik would be applauded for his team high 53% from the floor. The reality is of course Asik contributes very little on offence, submitting just 10 points per night. FG% is a strong factor, but simply one of very, very many. sportingnumbers.blogspot.com
Braulio Rondo
Guest
Well written I'm sure you know that wade just came frm an injurie no so long ago so....by saying that he does not deserve 2 b in a starting line up well I see your point and you are ryt for saying but wade is on point 2 start people voted that is not just ones opinion wade is 31 and 4 his age he's in great shape let's cut the crap wade is a great player and if he is thr that the people's choice
Nick Jungfer
Roar Guru
His athleticism has slipped a bit and injuries haven't helped his cause throughout his career, but in my opinion he's still one of the best players in the league, and definitely a top 2 SG in East (hence deserving of an all star spot).
Skinnada
Roar Rookie
He started the season not fully fit due to injury and off season surgery. Please note he is shooting a career high Field Goal % this season. He had taken more forced shots in previous years but had higher point scoring output due to many more attempts. FG% is the yard stick. Bosh, Wade & LBJ all shooting career high FG % this year. Wade is losing some spring in his step but is still a deserved All Star this season. But I can't see him being an All Star for too much longer with young stars like Beal coming through.
Jester
Guest
Yeh it is a shame that wade seems to be coasting where as lebron just keeps going up and up, i get the impression lebron is working extremely hard, maybe a bit of championship hangover for wade or perhaps knows that lebron will get them over the line with or without him? Also great article, really well researched and written.