Thursday night on TNT, the final voting for the NBA All-Star Game reserves will be announced. The coaches had some tough decisions to make this year, with many a big name gracing the reserves ballot.
Just like every season, there will be snubs, and many deserving players will be denied their spot on the All-Star roster.
Kyrie Irving is the most deserving player still vying for an All-Star spot. Not just most deserving in the East, but most deserving in the NBA.
Yes, the Cavs stink this season and yes, he missed some games to injury. But his resume certainly makes up for that.
At 20 years old and in just his second year in the league, Irving is averaging 23.7 points, 5.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game—all of which lead the Cavs.
For a player whose job was in jeopardy if his team acquired a certain big man from Orlando, Brook Lopez has cemented himself as a cornerstone player for the Nets.
Remember when James Harden dominated for the Thunder and won the Sixth Man Award? And remember when Oklahoma City decided they didn't want to pay him, and traded him away to Houston?
Harden has become the No. 1 guy for Houston, and in return he's posted a career-high 25.9 points per game. Not to mention his 4.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game.
For the past three seasons, Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge has been snubbed a reserve spot. And now that Kevin Love will be injured for the event, it might just be LA's time.
For a third season in a row, Aldridge is averaging over 20 points per game. He's also averaging career highs in rebounds, steals and blocks.
Despite Portland's struggles, Aldridge has his team right there in the playoff race. It's that ability to produce with the team on his back that earns him an All-Star spot.
Joakim Noah is averaging a double-double per game and has carried Chicago in the absence of Derrick Rose. With plenty of career highs and outstanding play, Noah's definitely deserving.
Russell Westbrook continues to dominate the NBA, averaging 23 points and 8.2 assists per game. With such stellar play, it's a given that he'll make the team.
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