Damian Lillard frustrated with repeated All-Star Snubs
What's the story?
The Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard along with many others believe that he should have more than 2 All-Star appearances.
In case you didn't know...
Lillard is one of only four players averaging 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists, along with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and James Harden. He became one of five players in NBA history to make nine 3-pointers four or more times this season.
The heart of the matter...
Lillard is one of the most entertaining basketball players in the league. His game is explosive, he's on multiple national television commercials and he's also regarded as the best rapper in the league. Yet, it hasn't helped him in fan votings.
Despite putting up big numbers in the past two seasons, the franchise guard has been snubbed in the All-Star voting for the past two seasons.
I've gotten frustrated just for the fact that it feels like I always got to be the fall guy and every other guy has been deserving," Lillard tells ESPN. "In the past, the thing has been, 'All right, my team has been 10 games under .500 or not in the playoffs,' but every year we've found a way to be in the postseason, and this year I think we're in much better position than we have been in the past two seasons that I didn't make it. I think I've gotten over the emotional part of it the last few times that I didn't make it. Now I'm kind of like expecting it to go that way, but I feel like I should be there."
Lillard is used to such spurns now. On Tuesday, an ESPN graphic onTwitter revealed notable shooters who had nailed 100 3s in the fewest number of games in history (41). Lillard, who actually holds the records with 100 triples in 44 games, was not mentioned.
What's next?
The starters for next month's All-Star game in Los Angeles were announced on Thursday night on TNT's Inside the NBA. The coaches will select the reserves, and those names will be announced next Tuesday.
Author's take
Lillard has earned a place to be in the All-Star lineup this year. However, now it's just in the league's coaches' to send him to LA next month. He definitely deserves it over Los Angeles Lakers' rookie Lonzo Ball, who is finished ahead of him in the voting.