Do the Golden State Warriors Deserve Two All-Stars?

Jan 31, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) leaves the court after scoring 44 points to defeat the Utah Jazz 95-90 at EnergySolutions Arena. The Warriors won 95-90. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Curry will be representing the Golden State Warriors in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. Curry is having a spectacular season, averaging 24.5 points per game to go along with 9.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game. He has led the Warriors to the seventh seed in the Western Conference, helping them earn a spot in the playoff picture.

But should a second Warrior join him in the All Star game?

Warriors fans have been clamoring for David Lee to get a shot at the All Star Game this year.

Lee has put up very solid number this season, posting 19.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game so far. He gives the Golden State Warriors another rebounding force in the paint to go along with Andrew Bogut.

It goes without saying that Lee makes the Golden State Warriors better on the offensive end with his scoring ability. He finishes very effectively around the rim and has a decent mid-range jump shot. Though he only averages 2.3 assists per game, he is a good passer who can get the ball to the open man. His overall offensive game puts him in the All-Star discussion.

However, there are sound reasons for him to miss out on this year’s festivities.

First, his defensive game needs work. When matched up with competent scorers, Lee has no chance. When Andrew Bogut collects too many fouls, the Warriors have no interior presence on defense. This was on display in a very obvious manner when Bogut got into foul trouble against the Memphis Grizzlies. Zach Randolph went after Lee possession after possession and Lee gave up bucket after bucket to Randolph. Eventually, the Warriors had to stop the bleeding. When Bogut was put back in the game, Randolph stopped scoring.

Simply put, David Lee is a liability on defense.

He also is not someone NBA fans want to see in the All-Star Game. More athletic players like Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge will be more exciting to watch in a game who’s goal is to “WOW” the fans.

The third and final reason David Lee should not be included in this year’s All Star Game is simple. The Western Conference has too many good big men. Kevin Love and LaMarcus Aldridge have put up monstrous numbers. Blake Griffin has added to his all-around game, making him a very dangerous player. Dirk Nowitzki looks almost like he is back in his prime. Dwight Howard is a flamboyant personality that would not miss out on the All-Star Game (and he’s pretty good too). Even players who missed out deserved to be in ahead of Lee: people with numbers like Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins are usually included on All-Star Weekend. With all the talent in the Western Conference, it’s no surprise Lee wasn’t included.

Regardless of what people think, the Golden State Warriors will have one representative in New Orleans. The Warriors will look to Stephen Curry for a memorable All Star performance.