Devin Booker On All-Star Snub: “The NBA Is Different”
When the NBA All-Star Game starters and reserves were announced, there were a couple of glaring omissions from the rosters. Among them was Suns guard Devin Booker, in the midst of a season where he is averaging 27.1 PPG on 51% shooting, both career-bests.
“It was always a goal of mine (to make the All-Star Game), but it just reproves the point that the NBA is different from the game I fell in love with at the beginning of all the best players being in the All-Star Game,” Booker said, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
“Growing up watching that. And now it’s an entertainment, drama, political-filled league, but we’re a part of it now. It pays well so I guess we should be quiet about it.”
Booker obviously was not the lone snub — Wizards’ guard Bradley Beal was also not among those selected to the All-Star festivities in Chicago. Both Beal and Booker are averaging over 27 PPG, yet will not represent their respective teams unless they’re named as injury replacements.
“It’s a shame that when you look at the system, the way these guys are picked he’s probably a casualty of that,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “It’s pretty clear that the Western Conference coaches didn’t value what he brought to the table and that’s disappointing.”
Derrick Rose On Trade Rumors: “I Want To Stay Here”
As the February 6 trade deadline approaches, Pistons point guard Derrick Rose has been mentioned as a potential candidate to be moved. However, if it were up to the former NBA Most Valuable Player, he would stay put.
“It’s up to the front office,” Rose said of the trade rumors, per Vincent Ellis of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). “(Pistons vice chairman) Arn (Tellem) gave me his word that if something were to happen, he will text or call, but I told him that I want to stay here, but it’s not up to me. You already know how that goes.”
Rose, 31, is in the midst of a fine season in the Motor City, putting himself in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year. In 43 games (nine starts), Rose is averaging 18.9 PPG and 5.9 RPG, both totals his highest since his All-Star 2011/12 campaign. Rose is also shooting nearly 50% from the field, the best mark of his career.
Reports have suggested that Detroit — sporting a disappointing 17-33 record — is open to trading the three-time All-Star but the asking price is high. The Pistons are reportedly seeking a “lottery-level first-round pick” in exchange for the Chicago native. Rose is also under a team-friendly contract — $7.3MM this season and $7.7MM for 2020/21.