Topic Of Debate: Should Kobe sit the All-Star Game despite the fact that he was voted in?
Context: This past Thursday, it was announced that Kobe Bryant was named an All-Star starter. This is the 16th consecutive time the Black Mamba has accomplished this feat. Kobe has only played six games this season, averaging 13.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists.
Immediately following his announced selection, Bryant respectfully declined his invitation to participate, and made it known that he would rather see more deserving guards in the game. However, is Kobe right to make such a decision given the fact that he was chosen by the fans?
Verdict: We took this poll question to Twitter to get the fans take on whether they felt Kobe should sit out this upcoming All-Star.
I presented the poll question:
Hey Lakers fans, Should Kobe sit out the All-Star game despite the fact that he’ll be voted in by the fans? #LakersDebate
— Ry (@JustRyCole) January 23, 2014
Here are some responses:
@JustRyCole he doesn’t deserve it (not tryna sound harsh), it’s simple really he’s played like 6 games this season — Greg (@SwishNBA) January 23, 2014
@JustRyCole maybe he does what Bynum did and plays first 5 min and subs out, idk if he’d every want to do that though — nick rufo upd (@nickjrufo) January 23, 2014
People seem to missing the issue w/ Kobe playing in the ASG…the NBA will make him play if he’s playing at the time for his team. Rules. — SwaggySheed (@Sheedism) January 23, 2014
@JustRyCole No. #Lakersdebate Blame the fans, not the player. — John Ledesma (@JohnnyNBA) January 23, 2014
I fully understand the arguments being presented by both sides.
Kobe has not played at a level that is worthy of being an All-Star, so why should he be allowed to participate? He’s only played in six games, and has looked like a shell of himself for the most part.
But, does that factor into the equation when we realize that it was the fans that voted Kobe in. While All-Star weekend does recognize some of the elite athletes in the sport of basketball, it’s main focus is centered on showing appreciation to the fans. Despite the fact that Kobe has not played much basketball, they still want to see him in the game.
If it were up to Kobe’s pride, we know that he would sit out. But he’d be doing a great disservice to the fans in basketball if he didn’t participate (especially if he was healthy).
Because of that, he should strongly re-consider his decision. Even if he plays for a few minutes, it would mean so much to those who appreciate him the most: his fans.
What’s your take? Should he sit out?
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