With Kevin Garnett unable to play in the All-Star game due to an abdominal strain, David Stern selected Rasheed Wallace as a replacement. Wallace has publicly said he’d rather not attend the weekend’s festivities, but Flip Saunders thinks he’ll figure out a way to have fun. From my HOOPSWORLD article:
“Once he gets down there, he’ll enjoy it, especially now with his kids getting a little bit older and really understanding what it’s all about, too,” said Saunders. “You do those things sometimes as much for your organization and your family as much as for yourself.”
After the game, Wallace spoke briefly about being selected:
He admitted that it was an honor and said if anything it’ll be something his kids will be able to enjoy, but at the same time admitted that he did in fact have other plans already made that he’d have to cancel and move to the summer. In all seriousness, he sounded more excited about being able to root Rip Hamilton on in the three-point contest than he did about being recognized as one of the best at his position.
While his answers were somewhat short and clipped when talking about himself, he spoke at length when asked about the progress made by some of the team’s young players and what they need to do to continue getting better. He doesn’t make it easy when reporters want to focus on his own accomplishments, but he’s never short in praise for his teammates.
Here’s the funny thing: the Pistons will have three reps at the game, while the Celtics (sans Garnett) will only have one. For all the jersey popping and self-congratulating Boston does after each win, don’t think for a moment that they don’t feel slighted.
But should Boston even be the most offended? Or has Hedo Turkoglu been robbed? Personally, I think Josh Smith has the most reason to be angry, but it comes down to positions, and the East had to pick a center considering the coaches had already fudged Chris Bosh’s position when they voted in reserves. And if that’s the case, it had to be either Sheed or Zydrunas Ilgauskas, right? I think Stern made the right call, Wallace’s vacation plans be damned.
Hm weird,i touhgt Sheed wont play
Newer mind its good to have him there,he deserved it
we in Serbia love Sheed so i would be nice to see him in starters
hope to see some nice backetball from three pistons
i dont wanna start the storie how hes better than garnett,
we all know he is
sorry if i made some typing mistakes,didnt sleep all night and fellind kinda funny
Deeetroit basketball !!
Hedo T. was robbed.
Same with Baron, but there are a lot of guys who are having individually great seasons.
Would love to read the transcript of Stern calling Sheed to inform him of his AllStar selection.
I would’ve taken Josh Smith over either, but now everyone gets to complain that the Pistons get three All-Stars. Glorious.
A year ago, did Rasheed think he’d be “Stern’s darling”?
how the tides have changed, my brilliant 7-foot genius friend…
Thanks a lot, Kevin Garnett.
You cost me and my family a comfy trip to Aruba.
Screw you and your hernia!
Come playoffs, I’mm’a rip your heart out.
Josh Smith should be ahead of Joe Johnson, but the Hawks weren’t going to get two guys in.
David Stern probably saw that article about Sheed not wanting to play in the All-Star game, started rubbing his hands together and smiling intensely before muttering, “Yes, yes! Hehehehehe, Rasheed Wallace as an All-Star yes, yes! Make him very angry, yes, yes!” He sure is a demonic little man that David Stern.