Fansided

NBA All-Star Game 2016: 5 biggest snubs

By Cody Williams

Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) pressures Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) pressures Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives on Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives on Goran Dragic #7 of the Miami Heat during a game at American Airlines Arena on December 20, 2015 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

3. Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers

The construction of the Western Conference roster for the All-Star Game is certainly far more controversial and polarizing than the East with the inclusion of Kobe Bryant in the starters and the likes of big-name players such as LaMarcus Aldridge making it into the reserves. In the midst of all of this, it’s unfortunate that Portland Trail Blazers star point guard Damian Lillard isn’t included on the West roster.

Despite all of the talent that the Trail Blazers lost this offseason, Lillard and C.J. McCollum have kept them relevant in the West and the point guard has performed every bit like a superstar. In the 40 games that he’s played this season, the fourth-year guard has put up 24.3 points, 7.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and an impressive 37.6 percent from three on 8.1 attempts from long range per game. He’s been a force on the offensive end that has kept Portland right near the playoff race.

Though the West is obviously loaded with highly talented guards, Lillard has performed like a player wholly deserving of being recognized as being one of the best players to this point in the year and it’s unfortunate that’s not the case.

Next: No. 2 Dirk Nowitzki

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