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Golden State Warriors: D’Angelo Russell doesn’t deserve an All-Star bid

By Nathan Beighle

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 15: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics on November 15, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 15: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics on November 15, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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This won’t be a popular take, but Golden State Warriors star point guard D’Angelo Russell doesn’t deserve an All-Star bid.

While the voting is out of his control and does not truly signify the odds of being an All-Star, the Golden State Warriors’ star point guard D’Angelo Russell is among the top ten vote-getters in the NBA’s first All-Star voting returns.

He was sixth in voting behind James Harden, Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, and Luka Doncic. Mavs’ Doncic and Rockets’ Harden are locks to be selected as starters for the Western Conference.

Westbrook and Lillard are also seemingly locks to be All-Stars as well.

That’s four of the six spots for the backcourt. The next two of up for grabs, and they’ll be between Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell and D’Angelo Russell. At least for, that’s the trio that should be fighting for the last two spots.

However, Booker and Mitchell both have arguably a better claim to the final few spots.

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Booker, the Phoenix Suns star guard, is averaging 25.2 points and has seen his efficiency soar. He’s shooting over 50% from the field. He is also notching 3.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, impressive numbers for the fifth-year guard who has his Suns in playoff contention.

Along those lines, Mitchell is averaging 24.9 points per game, shooting 46% from the field. He is also totaling 4.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. It should also help that Mitchell is the clear leader of the Jazz who are in sixth place in the West, the best record among the three guards.

Mitchell has also yet to miss a game, playing in all 34. Booker has played in 31. Russell has played in 22. Those minutes could make the difference for the three guards.

Just like for the MVP, All-Star voting should have an aspect of how well the team is doing and how much time the player has played. With similar numbers, Russell is averaging 23.2 points and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 43% from the field.

I want Russell to be an All-Star, don’t get that mistaken.

But, if you believe he should be over Booker, Mitchell or any of the other listed to start, you’d be insane. He’s been good. He’s been great at point, but he’s failed to stay on the court and failed to lead the Warriors to a quality record in an easy-than-expected Western Conference.

That said, who knows how the voting will turn out and hopefully Russell continues to climb the rankings and become an All-Star for the second-straight season. I just wouldn’t put my money on it.

Next. Top 25 Golden State Warriors in franchise history. dark

Media and management voting will also matter so it’s not just who the fans want at the end of the day.

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