Michigan State Basketball: Former Spartan named NBA All-Star, another snubbed

A former Michigan State basketball player was named an NBA All-Star while another was egregiously snubbed this past week.

NBA All-Star teams were revealed this week. While one former Michigan State basketball star was recognized out west, another was left off of the Eastern Conference’s list.

Draymond Green has been named an All-Star for the fourth time in his stellar professional career. He was selected as a reserve. Green has been a key contributor for Golden State, who currently sits second in the Western Conference standings. The Warriors are surging after they had experienced a brief dip in excellence when Klay Thompson suffered multiple serious leg injuries and Kevin Durant left in free agency.

Green (who’s been banged up since January) and the league’s best perimeter sniper Steph Curry have fueled their revival. With Thompson finally healthy, Andrew Wiggins playing at a high level, and an outstanding collection of role players performing well, the Warriors are set to make yet another push for an NBA championship. Green’s elite leadership and magnificent production have made Golden State dangerous again and the product of Saginaw has been rewarded with an All-Star nod that is as worthy as anyone.

The former Spartan is having a fantastic all-around statistical season, averaging over seven assists and seven rebounds per game and feeding Curry and Golden State’s prolific scorers. His impact is felt the most on the defensive end though where he is the frontrunner for defensive player of the year. He’s been the anchor of a team that has already reached the 40-win mark. He is as fierce and as efficient as ever in his 10th year in the NBA.

Miles Bridges is letting his talents shine at just the right time for both himself and the Charlotte Hornets. Ahead of a summer where his current deal is set to expire, he’s blooming alongside fellow young phenom, LaMelo Ball. Bridges will be handsomely compensated this offseason — Detroit Piston management, please bring Flint’s native son home. Charlotte is in the thick of the playoff race as they are battling Brooklyn, Toronto, Boston, and Atlanta for postseason seeding.

The human highlight reel is having a career year, averaging 19.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Somehow that wasn’t enough to earn him a spot. This was disappointing because he was more than deserving yet it surely won’t be long before he becomes an All-Star in future seasons. His potential is incredible and he has the tools to evolve into a superstar. This snubbing will only make him more hungry to make the leap from good to great.

Spartan fans rejoiced seeing Green awarded only to feel dismayed when Bridges was overlooked.