The 2018 NBA All-Star Game reserves were named on Tuesday with one very notable exception—Oklahoma City Thunder’s Paul George. The versatile swingman will not be playing in the midseason classic for just the second time in six years. George, however, wants something more than an All-Star appearance.
During an ESPN interview courtesy of Royce Young, George shared his thoughts on being snubbed for a roster spot on the team.
Paul George on not making the All-Star team, says “it is what it is” and that he has “bigger goals and bigger dreams.” pic.twitter.com/jvmXKW7j4t
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) January 24, 2018
“It is what it is,” says George who was obviously disappointed. “I wasn’t an All-Star. Whoever made the list, everybody thought the same. I wasn’t an All-Star apparently. Life goes on. I got a second half when I came here [to Oklahoma]. I think Melo said it best. It’s something that we being in the East, it’s easier for us ‘coz we were holding our teams, pretty much putting the team on our back night in and night out. But it is what it is. When I came here it’s bigger dreams and bigger goals. And what I got to look forward to is try to win a championship.”
As difficult as it is for George to swallow that he isn’t an All-Star, the most important goal for him is winning a championship. It’s the reason why he and teammate Carmelo Anthony joined Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City in the first place.
Even his coach believed George should have been an All-Star as well.
“Billy Donovan told ESPN he was disappointed Paul George wasn't named an All-Star because he is ‘without question one of the 12 elite players in the West.’”
Billy Donovan told ESPN he was disappointed Paul George wasn't named an All-Star because he is "without question one of the 12 elite players in the West." pic.twitter.com/iqPkwXPTf1
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) January 24, 2018
It can be recalled that the Thunder star was not selected as an All-Star in 2015, when he only played in six games due to an injury he suffered during a Team USA scrimmage in August 2014.
George is currently averaging 20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 42.2 percent from 3-point range, numbers that are certainly worthy of All-Star consideration.
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