Notes from TNT’s NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com – Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
The 2012 NBA All-Star reserves were announced exclusively on TNT
TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com
Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith
Eastern Conference All-Star reserves:
Chris Bosh Miami Heat Forward
Deron Williams
Joe Johnson Atlanta Hawks Guard
Andre Iguodala
Roy Hibbert Indiana Pacers Center
Paul Pierce Boston Celtics Forward
Luol Deng Chicago Bulls Forward
Johnson, Barkley, O’Neal and Smith interviewed Minnesota Timberwolves forward and West All-Star reserve Kevin Love:
Love on how he’s adapted to be the leader of the Timberwolves at the age of 23: “For me, I just want to lead by example first. I’m starting to be more vocal. I still have a lot of stuff to work on and off the floor as far as leadership. “
Love on being the best power forward in the game: “I rate myself right at the top. The work I put into my game…I think I’m the best power forward in the game.”
Craig Sager interviewing Boston Celtics forward and All-Star Paul Pierce on his selection as a reserve on the East All-Star team:
Pierce: “I was a little surprised.”
Barkley comments on Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger not making the East All-Star team: “[Danny] Granger has been the best player. He’s the Pacers’ best player. [Atlanta Hawks forward] Josh Smith should’ve made it too.”
Barkley comments on Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith: “Josh Smith has been the best player on the Atlanta Hawks this year.”
O’Neal comments on the Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce: “I would’ve liked to see my man [Rajon] Rondo on there. Rondo is still the best point guard in the game. He’s the best true point guard in the game.”
Barkley comments on Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki making the West All-Star team: “Clearly, we gave Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki a lifetime achievement award.”
Smith comments on why late game contributors matter when deciding who should make an All-Star team: “The contributions from [Indiana Pacers forward] Danny Granger and [Atlanta Hawks forward] Josh Smith, when the game is on the line, have been well above some of the other guys.”
Barkley comments on Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce making the East All-Star team: “Paul Pierce is a great player but he did not deserve to be on the team.”
Barkley comments on Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith not being named to the East All-Star team: “Josh Smith deserved to make the All-Star team. He’s been the best player on the Atlanta Hawks this year.”
Smith comments on Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith not being named to the East All-Star team: “If you take him off the Atlanta Hawks team, they don’t win.”
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Western Conference All-Star reserves:
Kevin Love Minnesota Timberwolves Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge Portland Trail Blazers Forward
Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder Guard
Marc Gasol Memphis Grizzlies Center
Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks Forward
Steve Nash Phoenix Suns Guard
Tony Parker San Antonio Spurs Guard
Barkley comments on whether Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki should have made the West All-Star team: “No. Dirk should not have made the All-Star team.”
Barkley comments on some players not selected for the West All-Star team: “[Houston Rockets guard] Kyle Lowry should’ve been an All-Star. I’m rewarding Kyle Lowry. No disrespect for Steve Nash.”
Smith comments on how he would choose an All-Star based on their team’s record: “I would take the bottom four teams and say you can’t have an All-Star.”
O’Neal comments on Memphis Grizzlies Rudy Gay not making the West All-Star team: “For Rudy Gay not to be on there…that’s a conversation we should be having. He should’ve been on that team.”
Barkley comments on the number of ‘superstars’ in the NBA today: “There’s less than 10 superstars in the NBA. There’s probably like six guys that are great players.”
Barkley comments on the biggest omission from the West All-Star team: “[Memphis Grizzlies] Rudy Gay is the biggest snub.”
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