Many folks still can't get over the fact that LaMelo Ball won't be playing in the All-Star Game in his home state, albeit over 400 miles north of his hometown. The disrespect for the Charlotte Hornets star has gotten out of hand, and even the fans who helped him garner the most votes among all Eastern Conference guards are probably frustrated that they won't get to watch the flashy playmaker in the midseason showcase.
There could be various reasons why Ball was snubbed, although the voting system might have to be reworked. The media has a lot of say in deciding who starts or not when the All-Star Game caters more to the players and fans.
Of course, the 2021 Rookie of the Year still had the chance to join as a reserve, but the coaches didn't think he was more deserving than any of Darius Garland, Cade Cunningham, Damian Lillard, or Tyler Herro.
GSW star believes LaMelo Ball needs a different agent
Draymond Green and Baron Davis discussed the Melo snub in a recent episode of their podcast, with the latter expressing how disappointed he was with the result. The Hornets legend even shared being in similar predicaments when his team's lack of success in the standings hurt his opportunity to play more All-Star Games.
As Davis put it, Ball is exactly what the exhibition contest needs because of his exciting play style. Unfortunately, the retired point guard thinks the voters erred by rewarding players who "play basic ball on a better team" and could put up good numbers because they have "better people" around them.
So, the onus now is on the Hornets to provide their cornerstone with a stronger supporting cast to help him get the accolades he deserves. Of course, injuries have also come into play, and missing a significant number of games hurt Ball's chances of making his second All-Star appearance and even his odds of earning an All-NBA nod for the first time in his career later this season.
As for Green, he thinks Ball would be in the 2025 ASG and in a better situation in general if only he had "proper representation." Interestingly, the Warriors forward believes the 23-year-old star could become a perennial All-Star and even be the face of the league if he had a different agent who could stop people around the league from mistreating him.
That's quite an intriguing theory from Green, for sure. To be fair, bad records haven't always prevented players from being voted into the All-Star Game in the past. So, maybe if Ball had someone to lobby for him, he would be suiting up at Chase Center on Feb. 16.
It would be hilarious, though, to know what the former Defensive Player of the Year's reaction would be if he realized that Ball is represented by Roc Nation, the company founded by rap mogul and Green's friend, Jay-Z.