For what seems like the dozenth time in the past few weeks (it’s actually the fifth) NBA Rookie of the Year favourite Ben Simmons has missed out on making the All-Star game.
After finishing third in fan voting among guards in the Eastern Conference and just missing out on a starter’s spot, Simmons was then overlooked as one of the reserves for the showpiece event.
Injuries to Kevin Love and John Wall saw the Aussie pipped by Andre Drummond and Goran Dragic for a replacement gig, but the recent season-ending ACL injury to New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingas had seemed to have cleared the way for Simmons to become the first rookie since Blake Griffin to make the All-Star game as a rookie.
Turns out it hadn’t.
Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker was chosen by the NBA to replace Porzingas on Team LeBron, once again leaving Simmons out, prompting a succinct response from the Aussie.
It was a decision which left basketball fans (and Aussie big man Andrew Bogut) a little bemused – while Walker is having a strong season for the Hornets, you’d be hard-pressed to say it’s better than Simmons’.
While the reactions on Twitter weren’t too bad, we’re waiting to see what Federal Labor MP Tim Watts has to say in light of the recent development after his bizarre rant about Simmons being snubbed in Parliament yesterday. Maybe he should have waited a day.
At any rate, given that didn’t work, it looks like we’re left with only one viable option to get Simmons in the All-Star game…
Swampy
Guest
Yeah being playing great and losing for years. If wins were the excuse for Dragic to make it then how can you justify Kemba. It's not a long service award.
Leon
Guest
That whole rookie comment is trash. If that is the case then the league should just say that rookies are not allowed and stop encouraging fans including overseas fans to vote for rookies. Kemba Walker was also lower on fan AND player vote... with Dragic even lower than both. It is ridiculous...
Cee
Guest
Kemba deserved a spot he's been playing great in a horrible team. Dragic is an anomaly that spot should've gone to Ben. A 16/7/7 average from a rookie with 5 triple doubles is all star numbers for sure. Also have to keep in mind that Silver isn't a fan of the process.
Swampy
Guest
Umm. Yeah. Before I slander your view are you a hornets fan and have you watched them play?
Marshall
Guest
All the fuss over Simmons being an all star is a joke. He's not. Kemba is a MUCH better player than Ben Simmons. this OK, he is a Rookie.