Every year when the NBA All-Star Game rolls around, we see the same, old starters on the roster. Whether it’s Dwyane Wade or Kobe Byrant, are the fans really choosing the right players to start in the NBA’s fast-paced showcase?
Taking a look at the big men in the western conference, Kevin Love was voted in as a starter. He’s having a terrific season, averaging 25.6 points per contest, but what about the MVP candidate, LaMarcus Aldridge? Aldridge, averaging just below Love’s numbers with 24.1 points per game, has his Trail Blazers seeded third out west.
One could definitely call this nitpicking. However, for a player to put up his usual numbers versus the other, who is having the best season of his career and guiding his team into the playoff race for the first time in years, isn’t the answer clear cut?
Now, how about discussing one of the league’s elders, such as Wade, who is having an average season, scoring 18.7 points per game. There’s no doubt fans want to see the NBA Finals MVP of 2006 rack up ten trips to the all-star game, but he’s old news. Aaron Afflalo, 19.9 points per game, and Kemba Walker, 18.4 points per game, would both deserve to be in Wade’s spot.
Afflalo and Walker can also bring a youth movement to all-star game. The NBA is fan-orientated, so the league allowing one to vote for the starters was not poor thinking on David Stern’s part. Nonetheless, having young talent on the floor is a great way to attract fans. If the NBA voted for the starters, as well as the bench, more up-and-coming players would be given a chance to play in the game.
Not only that, with the league showcasing its youth, the young and casual NBA viewer will become a fan of the next big thing quicker than before. Plus, teams like the Bobcats and Magic, who don’t get much exposure, have a chance to gather a larger fanbase.
Taking away the fan vote is a complicated idea, but it’s Adam Silver’s first opportunity to make an impact as the new NBA commissioner.