So Rasheed Wallace has made it clear that he’d rather not be voted in by the coaches this Thursday as an all-star 
reserve. Preferring rather to use all-star four day weekend for R&R, to which Flip Saunder’s had the following to say:
“They can say all that they want,” Saunders said. “But all our players get played a lot of money to play this game. You have an obligation. And the reason you get paid is people want to see you.” (via DFP)
“Being selected as an All-Star is an honor,” Saunders said. “And it’s more of an honor when you’re selected by the coaches. You’ve got to realize, ‘Sheed’s the only guy ever to get kicked out of the McDonald’s All-Star Game.” (via DFP)
Now, I don’t know exactly what context Flip made the above quotes, I only read them in the paper. But, it does sound like he’s awfully critical of Rasheed’s all-star angst. You think he’d have more of a “that’s just Sheed” stance about the whole thing.
Personally I’d kinda like to see Rasheed Wallace represent the Pistons in that game. Even without Sheed I suspect we’ll probably be well represented by our backcourt of Chauncey and Rip again this year which would be fitting because they are a huge reason for our success so far with their superb consistent play.
As for the game itself, eh? it’s not that great anymore to me. Everything was better when you were younger, including the midseason classic.
January 27th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
You just know that sheed and flip do not like each other much. If sheed prefers to rest the 4 days, that is not a big deal. Everytime sheed says something, flip has to take the opposite view. sheed has never liked the all-star game, what does that have to do with the amount of money players make? Shut up flip, please.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I notice a typo in that quote from the DFP, it should be “but all our players get PAID a lot of money to play this game, currently it says they get played a lot of money. Just noticed it is all.
I think it’s completely retarded if Rip and Chauncey aren’t reserves. I think Rasheed has been a monster as of late and should be considered for a reserve as well on the East.
Why is Dwayne Wade starting? It’s stupid that it’s a popularity contest. He’s a great player but his team stinks. What are they, 8-34 or something? Usually when you’re on a winning team your chances of being an all-star are greatly increased, his team stinks and is the worst in the East, yet he’ll be starting. It’s messed up.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Actually Flip is somewhat right in what he is saying. All the players make a ton of money and I’m sure a part of Sheed wants to be in the all-star game.
January 28th, 2008 at 10:51 am
They need to make this a new rule regarding all-stars, if you’re team is not the 8th best or higher in your conference, any players on those teams shouldn’t qualify for the all-star game.