They do it to themselves

There is this common way of thinking among many people I meet that the NBA has become somewhat of a joke. Those people have no idea what they are talking about. The NBA doesn't just showcase black males and flashy play, it showcases the most diverse pool of professional athletes on the planet. There are players from all over the world coming overseas to play in the league. We have seven foot giants who can shoot threes like its what they were born to do. It's truly a thing of beauty.

I remember growing up how I used to sit anxiously awaiting the NBA All-star weekend even more so than my birthday, which happens to fall into the same time-frame. The only problem is that since those younger days in my life, I’ve noticed a sad trend.

Last Thursday, the starters for the all-star game were announced.

Steve Nash, the league leader in assists per game, who has put his team at the top of the Western Conference, is not one of them. Allen Iverson is.

Dwayne Wade, as much as I love him, is a starter for the east this season. Ray Allen is not. Chauncy Billups is not. Wade's team has the worst record in the league and he missed a large portion of the season.

Yi Jianlian finished FIFTH among East forwards. He has not played anywhere near the level of Caron Butler, Rashard Lewis, Teyshaun Prince or even freakin’ Hedo Turkoglu this season. He averages a mere 9.7 points to go with 5.8 rebounds. Is this a joke?

Sadly, yes, the All-star game has become a joke. The best no longer play in the game, it’s simply whoever the most popular guy is… or whoever the citizens of China get online to vote for.

The NBA does it to themselves.