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The All-Star buzz continues and it now involves Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook and Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard.
For some reason, the 2018 NBA All-Star game is generating a lot of negative buzz as of late. With the selections already being cast, there were many deserving players who were left off. Even with the new All-Star Game format, it wasn't a guarantee that players wouldn't be counted out.
In fact, one notable snub was Thunder forward Paul George who is currently averaging 20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Westbrook wasn't too happy about George's exclusion and took to the media to air out his frustration on Tuesday.
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“Unbelievable. I think it's just outrageous, in my opinion,” Westbrook said. “I don't know who else made the team but got four people from one team, you've got guys complaining about getting snubbed until they get in, you've got guys just talking about it all the time. But the guys that deserve it — should be in — are not. I just don't understand. Doesn't make any sense.”
Westbrook's comment seemed like a shot at the Blazers' Lillard, who has been snubbed in recent years to his frustration. According to ESPN's Nick Friedell, Lillard was disappointed with Westbrook's comments.
“I respect Russ a lot, so it was kind of disappointing to see him say that,” Lillard said prior to Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. “Because he's played against me, he's played against our team, he knows what I've accomplished. Not just this year, but over my career. So it was a little bit disappointing, but I know that I earned my spot this year. And that's pretty much what it is: I earned my spot.”
It's unfortunate that George didn't make the All-Star Game, but Lillard is still deserving of his spot, currently averaging 25.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game, the high-scoring point guard has lifted the Blazers to a respectable standing in a competitive Western Conference.
