Goran Dragic, Miles Plumlee Receive All-Star Scraps

Feb 4, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Marcus Morris (15) and guard Goran Dragic (1) stand on the court in the second half against the Chicago Bulls at US Airways Center. The Bulls won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sportsphoeni

“But you’ll get to take part in the All-Star festivities!” I’m sure that’s the propaganda being flung at Goran Dragic and Miles Plumlee, as they’ve been invited to take part in the Taco Bell Skills Competition (Dragic) and the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge (Plumlee). We here at Heat Waved are taking a different approach. They’ve gone from snubs to scraps and it’s hard to be excited about that.

The Rising Stars Challenge will take place on Friday, Feburary 14 from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Lousiana. Plumlee is replacing the injured Pero Antic in the game. There’s no question that Plumlee deserves to be on the squad, but why did he have to wait? He’s averaging 9.3 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 27.4 minutes per game. Consider the fact that Plumlee is basically a rookie and that’s awfully impressive.

Dragic didn’t get his opportunity to replace Kobe Bryant on the actual All-Star team, but they’ve given him the “opportunity” to take part in Saturday’s Skills Competition. That’s like everyone else getting filet mignon while you’re offered sirlion. “But it’s steak!” This says it best:

To get the invite does show that they appreciate Dragic and his skills, but it’s still a hard pill to swallow. Only Dragic and LeBron James are averaging over 20 points and six assists per game while shooting over 50 percent. I guess that’s not good enough for Dragic to be named an All-Star.

To be fair to new commissioner Adam Silver, I understand. Anthony Davis is a tremendous talent and he’s putting up awesome numbers. Not to mention, the game is in his home arena. Still, giving Dragic the old “sure, you can be an All-Star (participant)” isn’t enough for me. Luckily, both Plumlee and Dragic are great guys who will represent the Suns well. I guess something is better than nothing.

Michael Dunlap is an NBA credentialed writer who is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief for the Sports Illustrated/Fansided NBA site HoopsHabit.com and the Arizona Sports site HeatWaved.com. He also covers high school sports for The Arizona Republic. Follow me on Twitter @DunlapNBA.