The Miami Heat were certainly snubbed this All-Star Weekend, but the organization has still found a way to stay relevant regardless.
2017 NBA All-Star Weekend is upon us.
And as the Miami Heat go into the break with a 25-32 record, tenth in the Eastern Conference, it is hard to ignore the fact that they were totally snubbed.
Yes, despite Goran Dragic proving that he is one of the league’s top point guards by averaging 20.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists a game and shooting 42.6 percent from downtown, he got no All-Star love. Not by way of the All-Star Game, or even the Three-Point Shooting Contest.
Hassan Whiteside along with his 16.8 points and 14.1 rebounds per contest, went overlooked as well. Although he was reportedly in the running to be an All-Star Game replacement for Kevin Love, after it was announced that he would have to undergo a procedure and miss the festivities, Carmelo Anthony was ultimately chosen instead.
Heck, even Tyler Johnson’s quick feet and versatile hands would have been a blast to watch during the Skills Challenge.
But alas, it seems the Heat’s 13-0 winning streak came too late for anyone to take notice of the talent that resides in South Beach.
However, that does not mean that Miami will go completely unrepresented.
Wayne Ellington, Okaro White and Marcus Georges-Hunt will be all be making their own appearances. And helping to keep the squad relevant.
Ellington, a 7-year veteran, will be heading to New Orleans as the Heat’s union player representative for the annual player’s association meeting. He will also be acting as coach to some of the best boy and girl ballers from 32 countries, in the Basketball Without Borders camp.
Not too shabby for the Man With The Golden Arm.
As for White and Georges-Hunt, the young fellas will be participating in the Developmental League’s own All-Star Game. They will be joined by Keith Benson, who currently plays for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s D-League affiliate team.
And while it probably hurts head coach Erik Spoelstra to see some of his best guys be left out, he is still keeping positive.
"“I’m glad Okaro is going to be able to go experience the weekend and play in the All-Star game and just enjoy the festivities.”"
The Heat ended the first half of their season on a high note, after defeating the Houston Rockets 117-109. This included Dragic going for 21 points, Whiteside totaling 23 points and 14 rebounds and Dion Waiters finishing with 23 points (on 4-of-9 three-point shooting), 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
They are also slowly continuing to climb their way up in the Eastern Conference, hopefully soon securing their playoff contention for good.
Next: Miami Heat hire Shane Battier to head analytics department
Here is to hilarious Snapchat activity from the Caribbean via Whiteside, and a great post-break run of Miami Heat Basketball.