So the NBA has decided to do away with the center position in the all-star fan balloting. The ballot is now going to consist of three frontcourt players and two backcourt players.
That's smart. For one thing, it solves the Tim Duncan conundrum. Tim Duncan is always listed as a power forward but this was really the Spurs' worst kept secret. He really starts at the 5 spot.
Also, most of the players that have played power forward for most of their NBA careers are now playing center because of the NBA evolving into a lot more "small ball" play. As you've also probably noticed, there are really hardly any real quality centers these days. There's Andrew Bynum. There's Roy Hibbert. There's Dwight Howard. After that, there really aren't very many. It's not like in the mid-90s when the NBA was ruled by giants like Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Brad Daugherty, Dikembe Mutombo, and Shaquille O'Neal.
So now that there are three frontcourt players to be voted in, snubs will be less likely (there will always be snubs) because someone who's masquerading at a certain frontcourt position will less likely take another player's spot who may be deserving of it.
The official ballot comes out on November 13, 2012. The All-Star Game happens in Houston on February 17, 2013.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahram Mark Sohbani/AP.
Rey-Rey is the founder and editor of The No-Look Pass. You can find his work here and at Forum Blue & Gold from the ESPN TrueHoop Network. You can also find his charm on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
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My biggest issue with this that it will “rob” some front-court players of a possible All Star spot. A guy like Andrew Bynum might not even make it even if he has a great year because fans prefer to see a more flashy player (Chris Bosh, KG) in the ASG instead of the guy that earn his spot. The way it’s setup now according to the report you may possibly have a starting five of Rondo, Wade, LBJ, Melo and Josh Smith… It’s not bad but maybe I just hate change. I like the position by position selection process.’
That’s just what the Duffman thinks, lol
I get it. But it’s also only fan selection. I don’t think the coaches will leave out the centers that do deserve it (they’re the ones that vote for the subs).
Keep in mind that coaches usually vote for 2 Fs, 2 Gs, and a C. So maybe they’re not changing THAT rule for the coaches. However, that won’t preclude them from putting in Pau, KG, or Bosh at C. Those ARE the positions they play, after all (Pau is a part-time center with Howard there).
There will always be snubs in All-Star games. You can’t please everybody.