Porzingis And Beal Left Out All-Star Eastern Team
February 17, 2017 in Sports News
After taking a look at some players that were left out of the Western Conference All-Star team, we now peek at some important absences in the Eastern Conference team. The 2017 NBA All-Star game takes place on Sunday in New Orleans.
Dwayne Wade – Chicago Bulls (SG)
Wade will be one of the most surprising absences in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. Although, his numbers per game are still good (19.1 points, 3.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds) the record of the struggling Chicago Bulls (28-29) has not helped his case. Although his physical condition is still above average, a growing number of younger and more dynamic Eastern Conference point guards has left the Illinois native behind.
Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards (SG)
The fourth-year player had been suggested as a potential All-Star. The Wizards shooting guard has had some spectacular performances to make his case as he keeps evolving and taking his game to the next level. He’s now averaging 22.3 points, 3.7 assist and 2.9 rebounds per game helping the Wizards to a 34-21 record and the third place in the Eastern Conference.
This season Beal has three times scored over 40 points in games played at the Verizon Center: 41 against the Cavaliers and Clippers, and 42 against the Suns. Despite those numbers Beal was not selected to the weekend event.
Kristaps Porzingis – New York Knicks (PF, C)
The always disciplined and focused Latvian is putting together some great performances that simply can’t go unnoticed. In the middle of the circus that the Knicks have become this season (the Phil Jackson vs Carmelo Anthony feud and the arena ejection of former Knicks player Charles Oakley) Porzingis has managed to shine, becoming the team’s most vital player and the piece to build around for years to come.
The European is averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in just his second year. Considering the low amount of players with better numbers at his position in the Eastern Conference and the injuries plaguing big men around the league, it was not unreasonable to think that KP6 would be at the All-Star game.
Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers (C)
The wait has been worth it. Although many were expecting Embiid to become the latest draft fiasco by the Sixers (he missed most of his first two seasons with a right foot injury), it’s now evident that “the City of Brotherly Love” scored big when they took Embiid as the third pick of the 2014 draft.
The franchise has won this year more games in half a season (21-35) than in the entire previous season (10-72). Philadelphia had not had a really competitive team in a long time, and Embiid is the main reason for that . His 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 25.4 minutes per game has pundits thinking that Embiid will be one of the most talented players of his generation.
Although he will miss the All-Star game with a meniscus injury (as a precautionary measure), the Cameroonian is well on his way to a successful season that will see him most likely win the Rookie of the Year award.