Three reasons why Zaza Pachulia should be an All-Star

To expand the global game

Zaza Pachulia is not getting his votes because of Golden State fans. Sure, they help, but that’s not where the majority of his votes are coming from. In fact, they’re not coming from within North America at all.

Pachulia is getting serious support from his home country of Georgia. The small Eastern European country is bordered by Russia and Turkey. They have a population of around 4.5 million people and they’re unifying to vote for Pachulia.

The NBA wants to expand the amazing game of basketball around the globe. They’ve done so exceptionally well, especially in recent years. Stars from foreign countries like Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kristaps Porzingis help create buzz and excitement for the game overseas.

Now, Pachulia isn’t on the level of those guys. But he’s clearly very popular back home because, for the second year in a row, he’s in the running for a starting spot in the All-Star game. He’s a global ambassador to the game.

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The NBA is all about expansion and Pachulia is just another name on that list. The center is very well-liked and he represents the league and his country very well.  It makes sense to have him on the game’s biggest stage.

Pachulia can help expand the game. He can help inspire the next wave of European basketball stars. Imagine Porzingis and Pachulia matching up, even for just one possession and what that would mean to children all over Europe.

It’s great exposure for the league and a chance to continue expanding.