NBA: 20 ridiculously obscure NBA All-Star seasons that we totally forgot
By Jono Perilli
16: Kobe Bryant (2013-14)
Season Stats: 13.8 points, 6.3 assists per game (6 Games Played)
This is a case where popularity in the NBA can truly equal an All-Star appearance, which is a damn shame.
Once again, like Yao Ming and Allen Iverson, we’re not trying to slander the Black Mamba, he had a superb season and his legacy has been astounding influential, you can’t hate on him. But this was a case of popularity, but worse. Kobe got voted into the All-Star game, while literally playing only six games.
Kobe Bryant was dealing with a major knee injury, sidelining him for the rest of the season. Still, fans took the chance to make the preference over the younger players, for Kobe. Kobe himself said to not vote for him and to vote for other players. Pity, the fans didn’t listen and he was ousted into the starting lineup for the event.
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Even in the six games that Bryant did play, he couldn’t find his rhythm and groove, struggling to make an impact. Obviously, this is one of those popularity cases, where the player is that popular that they can make the All-Star game without even stepping on the floor
You can’t hate Kobe, at all, and his career has easily been up there in the top selections for like-minded fans, but this nomination feels ridiculous. The spot could’ve been given to someone who was actually playing, like Isaiah Thomas, Kevin Martin or even Ty Lawson for goodness sake.
It just feels like a travesty that he made the team, but we’re not going to disrespect his legacy. Rest in Peace, Mamba.