Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Charles Baus/CSM/Shutterstock (10055402ed) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in attendance during the NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California NFL NFC Divisional Playoff Cowboys vs Rams, Los Angeles, USA – 12 Jan 2019 | Courtesy: Reuters
Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Charles Baus/CSM/Shutterstock (10055402ed) Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James in attendance during the NFC Divisional Round playoff game between the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Dallas Cowboys at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California NFL NFC Divisional Playoff Cowboys vs Rams, Los Angeles, USA – 12 Jan 2019 | Courtesy: Reuters
LeBron James was the prodigal son of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Born and raised in the state of Ohio, LeBron was drafted by the Cavs In 2003 with the 1st overall pick. During his time with the Cavs, the ‘King’ would give fans several iconic moments that included high-flying dunks and clutch shooting. Upon his return from Miami, the ‘King’ would also deliver on his promise by winning a championship for the city.
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After LeBron’s departure to the Lakers, the Cavaliers would come under troublesome times. The team moved on to a younger squad that never really was a force in the Eastern Conference. However, that scenario has changed this season. Today the Cavs sit at an impressive 5th place in the East.
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Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (6) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kyrie Irving (2) during media day the day before Game 1 of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) (Photo by MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images)
One of the reasons behind the team’s success is their point guard, Darius Garland. His impressive performances have led him to earn his first-ever All-Star selection. For Cavs fans, Garland is also their first All-Star since LeBron James. What adds to the excitement is the fact that the All-Star game itself will be played in Cleveland. It is the perfect opportunity for Garland to showcase his skills.
Darius Garland will represent Cleveland in his first All-Star Game 🙌 pic.twitter.com/NqoA0ytrgg
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 4, 2022
However, many fans were not happy with Garland being chosen over other players who they thought were more deserving, and took to Twitter to express their opinions. One player whom fans thought was more deserving was Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball.
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Twitter reacts to Darius Garland’s All-Star Selection
Upon the announcement of the All-Star reserves which Garland was a part of, many fans expressed their views on Twitter. Several of them were of the opinion that LaMelo Ball was snubbed.
Ahahahha how does this guy make it over lamelo compare the players star value and on paper… lamelo also had more dan votes no chance this ain’t rigged
— Mark Coates (@MarkCoa31655134) February 4, 2022
Not going to lie, but #LaMelo should've been an #NBAAllStar . pic.twitter.com/uEfD3WPLZi
— Sports Active Oscar (@Theyhate_Oscar) February 4, 2022
Biggest snubs 😭😠😠😠 not selecting #lamelo ball @MELOD1P
I don't want to watch nba all star game— Musthaq😊 (@Musthaq79758550) February 4, 2022
LaMelo Ball should be an All-Star #LaMelo #nba #NBAAllStar #lameloball pic.twitter.com/OpP7oyHiIe
— Waiver Wire Queen (@waiverwirequeen) February 4, 2022
On the flip side, several fans were proud of Garland’s selection. They felt that Garland’s performances for the Cavs were one of the major reasons for the team’s success this season.
Darius Garland is the Truth, @dariusgarland22
A well deserved All-Star selection and he should ALWAYS be an All Star from this point forward. pic.twitter.com/WK53kYBQ12
— 🗽FL Empire 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@CloudAtlas_47) February 4, 2022
This dude deserves it. Happy for Cleveland and his fam. Well deserved. Selection oanel did him right. Cmon now…
— bumBBlingNED (@bumBBlingNED) February 4, 2022
he deserved it, Cleveland been amazing this season and one of the reason is this guy.
— II (@IrchamImawan) February 4, 2022
👏🏾👏🏾💪🏾👑 #GIinTheBuilding #Congratulations First player from the Cavaliers since thee LeBron James. #BallerAlert #SaluteAndRespect #HeGotGame #DariusGarland ⛹🏽♂️ #NBAonTNT #RememberTheName pic.twitter.com/Y3Emt2Jw95
— King 🦁 Louie (@tellus74) February 4, 2022
I once said this guy was a,“Backup AAU PG.” 1 year later he’s one of my favorite players and 1st time #NBA All Star. Salute to you for the hard work you put in on the court & proving athletes can control their own narrative by their play and Production #dariusgarland #NBAAllStar https://t.co/harHEZfwq4
— Garrett Bush (@Gbush91) February 4, 2022
Despite there being several deserving candidates, such as LaMelo, what has proven to be the case is how a player’s performance impacts his team. Darius Garland this season has been averaging nearly 20 points along with 8.2 assists for the 5th place Cavs.
While LaMelo’s averages are also in the same vicinity as that of Garland, the difference is that Charlotte sits at the 8th spot. Clearly, the selection panel has rewarded players whose performances have brought more success to their teams.
Maybe Garland will also be the next NBA champion for the Cavs since LeBron and Kyrie. But, only time can tell the tale of the Cavs’ future.
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