The Eastern and Western Conference All-Star starters are here.
Russell Westbrook is not among them. https://t.co/dA7N3hXYhO
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 19, 2017
The results are finally in, and despite his legendary season so far, Russell Westbrook has not been selected as a starter for the Western Conference squad in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans. Instead, Warriors guard Steph Curry and Rockets guard James Harden will be starting for the West with Westbrook coming off the bench.
So far this season, Russell Westbrook is averaging 30.6 points (1st in the NBA), 10.4 assists (2nd), and 10.6 rebounds (11th). Westbrook also leads the league with an incredible 21 triple-doubles, the most in a season since Wilt Chamberlain had 22 in the 1966-67 season. Oscar Robertson holds the record for most in a season with 41, which he managed to do in the 1961-62 season, but Westbrook very well could end up beating that record if he continues to dominate like he has so far.
One aspect of Westbrook’s game that he has consistently focused on is that he is not worried about individual achievements near as much as he is winning games. While this very well may be true, it is not farfetched to believe that Russ will feel snubbed by this whole process. No matter when or how he plays, there is no doubt that the reigning back-to-back All-Star Game Most Valuable Player will put on a show that many will struggle to match.
In the end, All-Star Weekend is intended to be a time of relaxing fun for the players, their teammates who are not directly involved, and NBA fans from all over. Hopefully Westbrook is able to enjoy himself and does not worry about what could and should be considered one of the biggest oversights in the history of the NBA All-Star Game.
Article written by Zack Low. Follow @TheThunderGuys on Twitter and Instagram.