The Rundown: All-Star Starters Announced, Russ Snubbed and Your Daily Melo Update
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On Thursday, the NBA announced the starting lineups for the 2017 All-Star game in New Orleans. Representing the Western Conference: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis of the hosting team, the New Orleans Pelicans.
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From the East: Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler and making his first All-Star apperance, Giannis Antetokounmpo! It should also be noted that if the NBA stuck with the previous voting format, that Zaza Pachulia and Joel Embiid would be starting in New Orleans.
Russell Westbrook Snubbed: Averaging a triple double through the first half of the season, Westbrook was left off the starting lineup for the West, giving Stephen Curry the nod. I saw a tweet Thursday night that said, "Starting spots are for the winners, and the reserves go to the stat guys." I suppose that is a case that you could make, if Butler, Antetokounmpo and Davis were apart of contenders, and not teams that are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Westbrook is dominating the game in every aspect. Winners go to the Finals; Stat guys are what make the All-Star game fun. We're not watching for the defense, I assure you. There is no question that Westbrook will be a reserve, but this is no doubt on of the biggest snubs of all time.
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Your Daily Dose of Melo: Carmelo Anthony has repeatedly said that he wants to remain with the New York Knicks, despite all of the rumors that he wants out. On Friday, he told Newsday's All Iannazzone that he would consider waiving his no-trade clause, if that's what the front office wants.
"I think it will be more on the front office," Anthony told Newsday this week. "I have the power, but still I would talk to them. We would be in communication if they feel like they want to go in a different direction, they want to start rebuilding for the future. If they tell me they want to scrap this whole thing, yeah, I have to consider it."
All of this coming less than 24 hours after Anthony scored 34 points (25 in the second quarter) in a loss to the Wizards, where the Knicks failed to get a shot off during the final possession; in true Knicks fashion, as they continue their losing ways.
