Kristaps Porzingis expresses contentment at not being selected for the All-Star Game.
Following their 110-106 victory over the Miami Heat on Super Bowl Sunday, the Boston Celtics are left with two games before the All-Star break. Despite holding the top spot in the NBA standings with a record of 41-12, it appeared they would have three players participating in the league’s premier exhibition event on Feb. 18 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
There were compelling arguments for Kristaps Porzingis or Derrick White to fill the two spots left open due to injury-related replacements for frontcourt players Joel Embiid and Julius Randle, seemingly giving Porzingis the edge as a seven-foot-three center.
However, neither White nor Porzingis will join Jayson Tatum, who earns his fifth selection and will start in the All-Star Game for the fourth consecutive year, or Jaylen Brown, who received his third invitation.
Instead, NBA commissioner Adam Silver selected Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, renowned for his style of play suited for such occasions, and Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes.
While these are commendable choices and provide more team representation in this year’s All-Star Game, it is a prudent decision from both business and marketing perspectives.
Although Porzingis may have desired selection, after the Celtics’ 133-129 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday, he expressed genuine appreciation for the benefits of a break.
“Happier” Not to be in All-Star Game
“Of course, there’s some prestige in that, and maybe five years ago, that was something that was always on my mind, but it doesn’t change anything, to be honest,” stated the Latvian native. “There’s a big part of me that’s happy. I can go to Miami or somewhere where there’s sun, get some tan, lift some weights, prepare my body for the postseason.”
