Just a couple years ago Deron Williams was an All-Star automatic — if the fans didn’t vote him in, the coaches would. And should have. In 2010 he averaged 18.7 points and 10.5 assists per game with a PER of 20.6. He got mentioned next to Chris Paul in the “best point guard in the game” conversations.
Now… not so much. This season he is averaging 16.8 points and 7.7 assists a game, is shooting just 40.9 percent (32.8 percent from three) and has a PER 18.3. He’s still good, but is he an All-Star?
Even D-Will himself said no. From ESPN:
He’s right. And most year’s there wouldn’t be a question he’d sit it out, but this year is not deep with amazing guards in the East and Williams could still find himself voted in by the coaches.
When the All-Star starters are announced Thursday, Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade will get the guard spots in the East (they had a pretty healthy lead heading into the final week of voting).
After that what other guards go in? To me Kyrie Irving is a lock. After that you have a mix of guys like Jrue Holiday, Monta Ellis, J.R. Smith and D-Will who you could argue deserve a spot. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the coaches go with Williams out of that pack (I’d go Holiday, personally).
D-Will is right, other guys have played better this year. That often has little to do with All-Star selections.