Who should replace Kobe Bryant? Should it be James Harden? Did Stephen Curry really get more votes than LeBron James? Should Steve Kerr start Klay Thompson if he is selected?
So many tough questions, but not tough enough for this week’s installment of ‘By The Numbers.’
1,513,324: The amount of votes Stephen Curry received
What a year it’s been for Stephen Curry! His team is destroying what seems like everyone and he’s officially got more votes than LeBron James. Who would have guessed? I’m a huge Curry fan, I love his game, but I never expected someone to get more votes than the ‘King.’ That being said, the Golden State Warriors have won 36 games out of a possible 43 and Curry has lead the way. This season he is averaging a remarkable 22.8 points, 8.2 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game while shooting a cool .491 from the field and .391 from three. Curry has had 15 double-double games, hit 124 from beyond the arc and stolen the rock 91 times this season. Much like James in the East, no player is more deserving of this selection than Curry.
4: How many times Kobe Bryant has been selected as All-Star MVP
No question this is a lifetime achievement award and although I can make a case for James Harden, Klay Thompson or Russell Westbrook, the reality is Bryant is the closest thing we have seen since MJ. The ‘Black Mamba’ been selected as an All-Star for a record 16 consecutive seasons, 17 in total. He has the most points in NBA All-Star history with 280, which explains the four All-Star MVP awards. Kobe has averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game this season. He surpassed Michael Jordan for third on the all-time scoring list, something that is truly amazing. As a 28-year-old, I was too young to follow and respect the career of MJ, but I did get that opportunity with Kobe Bryant. All that being said, Bryant will not play. My guess is that coach Kerr inserts Thompson, even though that spot really should go to Harden.
38: Blake Griffin’s point total in last year’s All-Star game
This will be Blake Griffin’s fifth All-Star appearance and his fifth straight dating back to the 2010-11 season. Back in his day, Dominique Wilkins was dubbed the ‘Human Highlight Film’ because of all his in-game theatrics. Considering everything we have seen from Griffin so far in his short career, I think it’s about time Griffin received a similar nickname. I’ve seen him dunk on opponents from as far as what seems like the free throw line. This season Griffin is averaging 22.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and one steal per game on .500 shooting from the field. Last season Griffin averaged only 3.9 assists per game – he is proving this year that he’s more than just an in-game dunker. I would expect Blake Griffin to be selected to many All-Star games in the future. With guys like Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan on the way out, along with Anthony Davis, Griffin is a member of the new wave of big men.
118: The amount of blocks Anthony Davis has this season
Anthony Davis is one of the most exciting players we have seen since ‘King’ James made his arrival. If you had to ask me, the best two power forwards of all-time are Charles Barkley and Tim Duncan. Although, if Anthony stays healthy and continues to improve at the pace he is, come 15 years, there is no question in my mind he will be atop that list. Davis is averaging 24.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. There is literally nothing Davis can’t do! He’s shooting .556 from the field and .829 from the free throw line, leading the league in blocks and has recorded 26 double-doubles this season. Need I go on?
3.8: Marc Gasol’s assists per game average
Marc Gasol is the kind of big man that every team in the league wishes they could have drafted. He’s an elite level center and arguably the best in the NBA. Despite averaging 18.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.7 blocks per game, Gasol has guided the Memphis Grizzlies to a 32 – 12 record. He leads by example on and off the court, the Grizzlies can only hope that he decides to re-sign when the time comes. Gasol is the perfect mixture of a player with high basketball IQ and excellent court vision. A ‘brainer’ really, he’s the real deal.
Riley Jones is a correspondent and NBA editor at FantasyPros. To read more from Riley, check out his archive and follow him @RyJones4.