NBA All-Star Game: Biggest snubs of 2015

By Daniel Tran | Feb 5, 2015

Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Western Conference center Dwight Howard (12) of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball against Eastern Conference guard Joe Johnson (7) of the Brooklyn Nets during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard (0) dunks during the 2014 NBA All Star dunk contest at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers

There is no doubt that the Western Conference had some stiff competition at the guard position this year. When a good player has to go up against names like Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, and Stephen Curry, it is like trying to open a successful pizza restaurant in New York City.

With Kobe Bryant suffering a torn rotator cuff and unable to participate in the All-Star Game, Lillard was supposed to be the next guard up to replace him. Instead, the equally deserving DeMarcus Cousins took the spot and Lillard was left out in the cold for at least one more season.

It is an absolute shame that Lillard is unable to participate in the game because he has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA. Though he is only in his third year, he has already amassed a catalog of game-winning shots and incredible athletic plays.

This season, Lillard is averaging 21.7 points and 6.3 assists, both of which are top 15 in the NBA. He also has 7.8 overall win shares, which is eighth best in the league and ranks fourth in the league at 5.7 more points per 100 possessions over a replacement-level player (Value Over Replacement Player).

When Yahoo! Sports contacted Lillard regarding his exclusion from the All-Star Team, Lillard replied, “No comment.”

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