UPDATE – Wade will play. It’s likely he’s only going to play 5 minutes, however he just can’t pass up padding his ‘All-Star appearances’ stat. Pretty selfish, but I’m not surprised at all.
In having a couple of weeks to justify as to why Kyle Lowry was arguably the biggest snub in this year’s All-Star reserves selection, we may just be presented with an opportunity to rejoice from our dismay. While the 27-year old, Philadelphia-native should’ve already been selected to the event itself, the window of opportunities appears to be open, especially regarding some recent news.
.@DwyaneWade said nerve is aggravated in his “drop foot,” is day to day & says he’s “not optimistic or pessimistic” about playing in AS Game
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) February 13, 2014
@SpearsNBAYahoo Kyle Lowry
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 13, 2014
Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports!, reported prior to tip-off that Miami Heat G Dwyane Wade would in fact sit out vs the Golden State Warriors due to a sore left foot. While sitting Wade on the second night of a back-to-back (which happened to be the case) became ideal for the Miami Heat this season due to various precautionary measures/health issues, it became apparent that last night’s game deemed to be much different. It was then after the game where Spears reported the status of Wade’s foot (see tweet above), placing his All-Star status potentially in doubt.
While injuries should always be taken into consideration come All-Star Weekend, this would only mean one thing: the opening of a potential guard slot in the East. In saying so, that spot should be given to none other than Kyle Lowry, who has been arguably the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. Averaging 16.7 ppg, and 7.7 apg (both being career-high’s), Lowry has been the catalyst for the Toronto Raptors’ success (sorry, DeMar DeRozan), which could see them finish atop of the Atlantic Division for just the second time in franchise history. His play has only helped further the success of this team as an entirety, and has altered this team’s perception of being “lottery- bound”, to “playoff-bound”.
As for the Miami Heat, it would only make sense for Dwyane Wade to pass up on heading to New Orleans, even if being moderately healthy. A 10-time All-Star, and a 3-time NBA Champion, Wade already has the credibility as an NBA great. However, with various injuries nagging him, and the possibility of achieving a “Three-Peat” with the Miami Heat this season, it would only be beneficial both to him, and the organization, if he were to rest this weekend.
On the eve of the reserve selections, Tim Lieweke had told to me that “All-Star or not, he’s still my All-Star”. While receiving the recognition from your own organization should be gratitude enough, it’s awfully gratifying to be awarded for it among the league as well. Although this remains to be just a hypothetical scenario (which could be more than likely considering the current report on Wade’s health), the final decision process pending Wade’s replacement would lie in the hands of the new NBA Comissioner, Adam Silver. With the proper judgement, and everything else falling into place, Kyle Lowry could very well join DeMar DeRozan, as the 2nd Toronto Raptor representative in the All-Star Game come Sunday night.
Make it right, Adam Silver. You owe us that, at least.
