Marion Not Selected to the All Star Game

Privately, to themselves, Steve Nash and Mike D'Antoni must be thrilled that Shawn Marion was not selected to the big game this season. It is the best thing that could happen to Phoenix's hopes for a successful title run in 07-08.

I think there chances were improved with the Grant Hill addition for the following reasons. (1) added composure, (2) adds intelligence, (3) excellent ball handler and creator, (4) plays decent defense, (5) is a solid under control one on one player. Both Marion's and Stoudemire's offense is largely dependent upon what Nash can create. Raja Bell is an excellent defender and spot up shooter. Barbosa is a solid young talent, and yes he can go one on one. But he doesn't create like Hill, he isn't as intelligent Hill, and he isn't as under control as Hill. Hill adds elements to Phoenix's team game that weren't there last year. But lastly, and most importantly, Hill adds more toughness. Nash is tough. Bell is tough. Marion can be tougher. Stoudemire doesn't even know what tough means.

But back to Marion. Marion's biggest problem, based on what I've read in articles and in Jack McCallum's "7 Seconds or Less", is Shawn Marion. This is not to say that Marion is a bad guy. Not at all. Shawn Marion is a very sensitive player who is often frustrated by the fact that he is often overshadowed by Amare Stoudemire and Nash; especially when Marion is of the opinion that he does things that Amare and Nash can't. Marion can gaurd at least 3 different positions. Last year's Conference Semi-Finals was case in point when Marion gave Tony Parker some trouble when defending him. Marion is Nash's favorite running mate on the fast break. Marion is the master of the little things; things that only coaches notice. But what Marion suffers from is funks. Funks often created by Marion's feelings at times that he is being sleighted. Not being selected to the All-Star team might just be the thing that pisses him off for the rest of the season.

This year's all-star teams.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Carmelo Anthony, F Denver

Carlos Boozer, F Utah

Kobe Bryant, G L.A. Lakers

Tim Duncan, F San Antonio

Allen Iverson, G Denver

Yao Ming, C Houston

Steve Nash, G Phoenix

Dirk Nowitzki, F Dallas

Chris Paul, G New Orleans

Brandon Roy, G Portland

Amare Stoudemire, F Phoenix

David West, F New Orleans

Notable ommissions in the WEST

Deron Williams, Utah

Baron Davis, Goldent State

Shawn Marion, Phoenix

Manu Ginobili, San Antonio

Tony Parker, San Antonio

Al Jefferson, Minnesota

Kevin Martin, Sacramento

Pau Gasol, Memphis

Ron Artest, Sacramento

Josh Howard, Dallas

Tyson Chandley, New Orleans

Marcus Camby, Denver

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Chauncey Billups, G Detroit
Chris Bosh, F Toronto
Caron Butler, G Washington
Kevin Garnett, F Boston
Richard Hamilton, G Detroit
Dwight Howard, F Orlando
LeBron James, F Cleveland
Antawn Jamison, F Washington
Joe Johnson, G Atlanta
Jason Kidd, G New Jersey
Paul Pierce, F Boston
Dwyane Wade, G Miami

Notable ommissions in the EAST
Jose Calderon, Toronto
Michael Redd, Milwaukee
Josh Smith, Atlanta
Gerald Wallace, Charlotte
Ray Allen, Boston
Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia
Richard Jefferson, New Jersey
Vince Carter, New Jersey
Rashard Lewis, Orlando
Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando