On Friday, ESPN’s NBA Today addressed a hot topic about the biggest NBA All-Star Game snub, with Kendrick Perkins seizing the moment to critique Steph Curry. The All-Star reserves were announced on Thursday, confirming Curry’s 11th All-Star appearance as a Western Conference starter.
Perkins argued that Curry didn’t “earn” his spot in the All-Star lineup. “I look at a guy like Steph Curry making the All-Star Game this season,” Perkins stated, “and I see players like Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, and De’Aaron Fox in this Western conference who are performing better. Let me say it plainly — Steph Curry shouldn’t be an All-Star; he simply shouldn’t. Regardless of fan votes, coach preferences, or who we want to see, being an All-Star requires demonstrable production. If you examine the numbers across the league, there are players in the Western Conference with better statistics, and their teams are in stronger positions than Steph’s. … Am I lying?”
Kendrick Perkins says Steph Curry didn’t deserve to be an All-Star
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24) pic.twitter.com/H5nLZN84eg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 31, 2025
NBA All-Star starters are selected through a vote from fans, players, and media. Despite this critique, Curry remains one of the most popular players in the league, even though other stars might have better statistics this season. At 36 years old, Curry has maintained strong averages in points, rebounds, and assists, alongside a 3-point shooting percentage close to his career norms. This scenario is quite different from 41-year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who made the All-Star team in his final season with an average of around 10 points per game.
Additionally, the All-Star Game is set to take place at the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, making it nearly impossible not to include Curry this year.
