The all-star game is meant for the NBA players having the best seasons a little bit more than half way through the year, but lately it has become more of a popularity contest of who the fans want to see. That is why a guy like Kobe Bryant will make it this year, even though he is not as deserving as some other candidates.
The all-star game highly rewards great individual play, which it should. However, basketball is a team sport, and a player’s ability to help his team win games is the true measure of his value. That is why, when looking at the Eastern Conference’s top team, the Atlanta Hawks, they have four possible all-star candidates: Jeff Teague, Al Horford, Paul Millsap and Kyle Korver.
None have had incredible statistical totals in the typical stats we all pay attention to like points, rebounds and assists, but they all are essential to a team that has dominated the conference for most of the season. Teague is getting praise for running the show, with some experts comparing him to Tony Parker. Millsap does a little bit of everything, and may be the most deserving of the four. Al Horford is the most recognisable name in the group and has quietly put together a nice season.
But Kyle Korver deserves to be in the all-star game. He is often overlooked because his game is well understood: he is a shooter. He has one particular skill he is good at, and we all know it. What we fail to realize is just how good he has been. He could become the first player EVER to make 50% of his field goals, 50% of his 3s, and 90% of his foul shots. That would be the single greatest shooting season of all time.
The importance of shooting in basketball cannot be understated. Not only does Korver give the Hawks a 3-point threat whenever he steps on the court, he provides spacing for his teammates, as his defender is forced to stay closer to him and respect his jump shot. In a perfect world, all four Atlanta Hawks would be all-stars, but that won’t happen. Even so, leaving off Korver, who is on pace for the single greatest season of all time when it comes to shooting, would be a mistake.
NBA News: Why Kyle Korver Should Be an All-Star for the Hawks
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