Why was Marcus Smart left out of the "rising stars" game?

[jpotter33]

Yeah, his stats are almost identical to Lavine's (a little lower on points but more rebounds) with a higher PER and MUCH better defense. I don't think it's a HUGE disrespect to Marcus, but figuring that Minnesota has three other players in the game and Smart plays for the better team, I think he should be there over Lavine.

EDIT: Lavine's high flying dunking ability is much more marketable than Smart's tenacious D ( ), so I'm betting that had something to do with it, though I think Smart is the much better player long-term.

Don't the assistant coaches vote on this? I don't see them making their selections based on marketing considerations.

If that's the case it's even worse. Smart's D is already a high level NBA skill that he performs excellently, where Lavine doesn't do anything else spectacularly.

[mr. dee]

I can't even see Parker on the list.

Could this be because he's been out for the season since Dec 16?

Sorry, I don't really watch the Bucks.

[PickNRoll]

Frankly, I'd rather not bother with the injury risk.  That, and I wouldn't trade Smart for 5 Zach Lavines.  Suppose that's why he was picked 11th.  I'm still mad that they didn't take TJ Warren or Nurkic.

[jambr380]

The overall list is pretty uninspiring - doesn't give me a whole lot of hope for the next generation of players.

I think there were a lot of borderline players - Nurkic and Smart being the most notable of the rookies. Neither of their stats jump off the page, but both are bringing more to the game than most rookies this year.

[kozlodoev]

I can't even see Parker on the list.

Could this be because he's been out for the season since Dec 16?

Sorry, I don't really watch the Bucks.

Me neither, but I follow stats for fantasy ball

[wehadvinbaker]

I think he could still make it as a replacement, especially with the level that the rookies have been getting banged up this year.

[AngryAndIrritable]

Simple answer - because the NBA glorifies style over substance.

[Celtics18]

I think Marcus deserves to be there over Zach Lavine.

As far as Nurkic goes, that's a tough one with the World having three sophomore centers in Adams, Dieng, and Gobert who all deserve to be on the team.

Hopefully, Marcus will take the snub out on Wiggins and Lavine tonight. 

[aingeforthree]

Missed a lot of time, that's the only reason.

I'd take Smart over all of the other guards, no question.

[Mass_1081]

  I think Levine has been more of a surprise from where he was drafted. People expected more from Smart on the offensive end, and I agree gigs the hasnt bee aggressive enough.

[PickNRoll]

  I think Levine has been more of a surprise from where he was drafted. People expected more from Smart on the offensive end, and I agree gigs the hasnt bee aggressive enough.

LaVine is 19 and he really plays like it.  Lacking in BB IQ.  Also, LaVine has the same usage rate as Andrew Wiggins!  Flip knows what he's doing, driving this tank.

[Csfan1984]

Smart shouldn't be in a, "no defense glorified pick up game".

[saltlover]

Because they don't want Smart making Andrew Wiggins cry on national TV.

[Beat LA]

The bigger question is how did KO make this game last year, lol?

I also wouldn't call Smart's absence a snub.  Has anyone actually seen LaVine play?  Sure, he's 19, but he's had a few outstanding games this year.  I was wrong about him - I should have listened to Bob Ryan haha.  Tbh, I thought that LaVine would be Tyler Honeycutt 2.0.  Not because of his ability or athleticism, but because of his Gerald Green-like body circa 2005, lol.  I guess that I'm the only one on here who likes him as a player, haha.  Oh well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_ZZKORhJds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHTXJXy0-Sc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EOTHQcJBKo

[317]

do we know who is replacing Olynic yet? i suppose it should be a foreign player and/or not a rookie so Smart probably doesn't get his spot.