When the NBA coached voted in Kevin Durant as an All-Star reserve there were plenty of people — we’re looking at you, Charles Barkley — who said he didn’t deserve it. Not because of Durant’s talent, but because he’s missed too much time this season due to injury (he’s missed 29 of the Thunder’s 47 games so far).
His response?
Kevin Durant on his All-Star selection: "Whoever want my spot can play me one-on-one for it"
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2015
Well played.
I’m good with Durant in the All-Star Game (he was on my list as a reserve). It’s an exhibition; there is nothing on the line here. It’s not like the NBA does something stupid and puts home court in the Finals on the line for this popularity contest. So with that, I want to see the very best players in this show. Kevin Durant is one of those, and to me has played enough — and been good enough in the games he played — to make the cut.
What I really want to see: Elite NBA players in a one-on-one tournament. I probably would take Durant in that.