KOBE BRYANT leads all vote-getters for the 2016 All-Star Game. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Dwyane Wade round out the top 5. I understand that fans want to send Kobe out with a bang, so that they can appreciate the legend's last All-Star appearance and all. But I mean... really? Does a guy who has shot 34% from the field really deserve to have more votes than LeBron and Durant combined? Or are All-Star awards, used highly in contract discussions and when comparing legends, becoming popularity contests rather than talent contests? All I know is that these voting results would make a lot more sense if the year was 2006.
ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE AND STEPHANIE READY made history on Wednesday night, as the Suns-Hornets game marked the first to ever have a female analyst for both sides in a single game, if you follow. Ready (pictured on the right) worked alongside Eric Collins and Dell Curry (yes, Stephen's father) in Charlotte's booth, while Meyers (pictured left) broadcasted for Phoenix. Women in sports is actually nothing new, contrary to popular belief, as Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon made headlines for leading San Antonio to a Summer League title. In addition, female referees are in several professional sports, especially the NFL, and to address the elephant in the room: NBA commissioner David Stern created the WNBA in a landmark event as far back as 1996. It's good to know that we're not stuck in the past on this issue.
BANDWAGONING. It's been around since time itself (kidding). It hit the Bulls in the '90's. The Lakers in the 2000's. The Heat in the 2010's. Basically, whatever team is the best, gets bandwagoners. That's just how it works. And despite a famously supportive fanbase over the past 40 tumultuous years in Golden State, the Warriors are only the latest victim. To be clear, bandwagoners are not criminals, they don't spread any infectious disease, and they're not bad human beings. They're just frustrating to us loyal fans, for obvious reasons, and they're perfect to make fun of. Like this poor guy pictured above, who likely represents millions but unfortunately for him (and fortunately for us) got caught. During the second quarter of Tuesday's game, where the Lakers hosted the Warriors at Staples center, this "fan" switched from a Kobe to a Curry jersey during the second quarter. Coincidentally the Warriors were up by double-digits at the time, and the defending champs took the game 109-88. Coincidentally.
TY LAWSON is suspended again on DUI charges, this time for three games by his own team, the Rockets. But this one is not his fault, though (well, it still is): the suspension is stemming from his DUI arrest in July, 2015 for being intoxicated while behind the wheel. If you recall, Lawson was promptly traded from Denver to Houston after the incident, and has actually stayed out of trouble since. Which to some, is somewhat surprising. Why? Because, if you recall (again), the July incident was Lawson's fourth DUI arrest since his college days at UNC. While doing well off the court this year, it is on the court that are the cause of Lawson's troubles this season: the point guard is averaging a meager 6.4 points and 4.3 assists per game (on 37.1% shooting) this year; a sharp drop-off from last season's career stat line of 15.2 points and 9.6 assists on 43.6% shooting. Here's to hoping Ty eventually puts together a good season both on and off the court.
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