Anthony Puccio of The Association had an interesting question. Should Brooklyn Nets sniper Joe Harris be an NBA All-Star? Harris has been shooting lights out for the Nets. He is scoring 15.1 points a game with a ridiculous 50.7% clip from deep. This is reminiscent of former Atlanta Hawks shooter Kyle Korver's 12.1 points a game on 49.2% from long-range, which was enough to include him in the 2015 All-Star Game.
While both players are known for their three-point shooting, Harris is a better interior scorer and owns a wider array of offensive skill sets. Also, Harris is a serviceable ball-handler, can finish strong to the basket. This means that just because he is chased off from the three-point line doesn't mean he can no longer contribute to the team.
Despite Harris' advantages over Korver, he should not be an All-Star this season. When Korver got into the All-Star Game, he was a reserve for the injured Dwyane Wade. During those times, the three-ball was not utilized to the same extent it is today, so Korver's hot shooting stood out more. Next, the amount of All-Star talent increases year by year. Harris is on a team with three superstars. Most teams don't even have one. There are lots of talented players, who have outside shooting in their repertoire, so Harris' rank in the pecking order goes even lower.
Lastly, NBA awards and accolades are given on more than the basis of cold, hard numbers and statistics, much to the chagrin of people like Sam Hinkie or Daryl Morey. The stories and context behind the production have much weight in the criteria. This is especially true in All-Star Selections, where fans have a huge say.
Korver made the All-Star Game as a member of an underrated, overachieving Hawks squad that won 60 games with a brand of unselfish, team basketball. It was a refreshing sight. Atlanta had four All-Star players that season. They were so impressive that some called them the San Antonio Spurs of the East. Their ball movement and precision were a thing of beauty.
On the other hand, this Nets' season will always be known as the time Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden joined forces to win a championship. While Harris plays a key role in making the offense hum smoothly, when all is said and done, he will be regarded as a footnote. Korver, on the other hand, was a key figure in that historic season.
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