Yes. Dirk Nowitzki will be an All-Star again.
When No. 41 hangs up the sneakers, I don't believe he'll have a farewell season like Kobe Bryant. He'll simply surprise us all on a random summer day and announce he's done. But like Kobe, the NBA will find a way to get Dirk into the All-Star Game one last time.
Kobe has no business being in the All-Star Game based on his play this season. But it's Kobe, and he's retiring. He HAS to play one last time. Give the fans what they want.
I believe Dirk and Tim Duncan will both get a swan song All-Star appearance before it's all said in done as the league recognizes their greatness. Amazingly, the 2016 All-Star Game will be without Dirk and Duncan for the first time since 1997.
I understand why Mavs fans are angry at the NBA for not getting Dirk into this year's game. He's playing great even without the gaudy statistics. At 17.6 points and 6.7 rebounds a game, that's just short of the credentials usually needed to play in this game. Unless, you're LaMarcus Aldridge. I'll get into that in a moment.
But let's face it, the NBA All-Star Game is about star power and highlight dunks. There's nothing sexy about a 19-foot jumper. And outside of North Texas, Dirk's jersey isn't exactly flying off the shelves.
If you're going to make a case for Dirk to get in over someone who did, you have to focus on LaMarcus Aldridge. He's averaging 15.9 points and 8.8 rebounds a game. How did he make it? He's on the second-best team in the NBA. Dirk plays on the 12th best team in the NBA if you look at the standings.
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Just guessing here, but the last spot probably came down to those two players. Dallas will not be represented at the All-Star Game, but Aldridge is from North Texas. So, if anyone is going to edge out Dirk at least it's a local guy.
