The NBA All-Star voting is typically a hot topic of debate. This year was no different with the starters’ release bringing a ton of conversation from the TNT crew. It was Shaquille O’Neal against the rest of the crew as the voting process itself became the debate. With the focus on who should hold the most authority, fans or players, the debate became intense very quickly.

The entire debate spurred due to Damian Lillard‘s selection over Jalen Brunson as East’s starting guard. While Dame is having a strong season, Becky Hammon’s favorite player has been on mercurial form, elevating the New York Knicks into one of the best teams in the league. But, with votes tied for the two, fan vote as the deciding factor gave Lillard the edge.

However, Shaq did not believe that winning and records should play such a deep role in the discussion, despite vouching for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Stephen Curry. In response, Kenny “The Jet” Smith would bring up one example from Diesel’s past to make his case. “When you came home, and Sarge was alive, bless his soul, the first question he’d ask you, what’d he ask you when you came home from a game? Did you win? That’s it. That is the first primary question that you get asked.”

But for the 4x NBA Champion, that takes away from the simplicity and excitement that made the game such a staple back in the day. “It’s funny how the rules have changed. Nobody’s letting people know what the real rules are. I always thought, as a youngster, whoever you voted in. Now you guys are talking about records and where you standing.”

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However, Charles Barkley did not agree. “Winning matters, Shaq.” “It didn’t matter then.” When Chuck tried to interrupt with “It’s always mattered”, the conversation took on an edge, with the 7-footer responding, “Can I finish?” For the 4x NBA Champion, the discussion has changed. “Back in the day, it was fans who voted and they voted for their favorite players. Nobody was looking at records.” He would carry on with how it was the fans’ vote that made the discussion important.

Shaquille O’Neal vs the Crew

“When I was in high school, when Ernie [Johnson] first came to visit me, it was always been a fan thing. Fans vote in their favorite player. Doesn’t matter all these, but now y’all adding these rules.” As always, however, it was Ernie who became the voice of reason for the foursome.

His argument was how earlier voting results led to some shocking results, but then it was an obvious “popularity contest.” Chuck would make his stand for the current system as well, claiming, “The reason you’re wrong is because the fans only pick the starters. The coaches pick the reserves.” 

But, with neither side budging, could the debate be as simple as fans vs coaches? If so, which side do you land on? Do you think Brunson should have been named starter over Dame?

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