Arron Afflalo did not get invited to the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge. He was a bit of a long shot anyway (and is less of a snub than Al Thornton or Joakim Noah), but I agree with PistonsNation that he should have been considered ahead of Mike Conley:
Mike Conley is a fine young player, but he’s only been in 19 total games because of injury. Arron might only be averaging 3.4 ppg but he’s playing behind Chauncey and Rip. He’s played 42 of the Pistons 45 total games this year. Cracking the line up on this team isn’t all that easy either. Just ask Darko, Amir Johnson, and Jason Maxiell before this year.
Yes, Conley has better stats, but rookies on bad teams always have better stats than rookies on good teams. The fact that Afflalo has been able to force himself into the rotation and push veterans like Lindsey Hunter and Flip Murray to the inactive list really says something, even if he’s still the fifth option when he’s on the floor.
Also, without Conley, the Rookie team wouldn’t have a point guard. Both Acie Law and Stuckey have been hurt. Conley’s had some good moments here and there.
Afflalo’s defense is great, I think he’ll be our most valuable rook in the post-season becuase of it. Not to take anything away from Stuckey, who knows, maybe I’m wrong and Stuck’s abibilty to get crucial points by getting to the free-throw line will be more valuable. But Afflalo never really looks uncomfortable out there like Stuckey has at times. Again, I know that both of their seasons have been played under very different circumstances with Stuckey’s hand injury and all, but as of January 31st, 2008, Afflalo seems to be the rookie that has earned a spot in the rotation come April.
“Yes, Conley has better stats, but rookies on bad teams always have better stats than rookies on good teams.”
Depends on what you mean by better. Usually, they are given ample opportunities to score, but Conley has also shot the ball well, and posted a great A/TO ratio, which are hardly guaranteed. He deserved to make it.
It’s weird that they only pick 9 players for each team. It’s an exhibition game. Pick a full dozen rookies and sophs and play ball. You might get a player like Afflalo breaking out with a monster game and getting good press for the league. If not, what’s the harm in having him play the same 5 minutes at the end of the bench in an exhibition?