NBA Insider React with three wards massage questioning Why Stephen Curry became an All Star starter despite having similar issues as Kyrie Irving.
The recent announcement of Stephen Curry being named an NBA All-Star starter despite some of the same issues that Kyrie Irving faces has raised eyebrows, especially among fans and analysts. Both players have faced controversy off the court, yet the distinction between their selections brings up important questions about how the NBA handles All-Star voting and how star power influences the decision-making process.
First, let’s look at the comparison. Stephen Curry has been one of the most dominant players in the league for over a decade, and his influence on the Golden State Warriors’ success cannot be overstated. He’s revolutionized the game with his shooting ability and has led his team to multiple championships. Despite this, Curry has had his own share of injuries in recent seasons, including a hand injury that sidelined him for significant stretches of the 2019-2020 season and various lower-body issues in the past year. Additionally, his Warriors team hasn’t been as competitive in recent years as it was during its championship runs. However, Curry’s name recognition and the Warriors’ return to contention have contributed heavily to his status as an All-Star starter this season.
On the other hand, Kyrie Irving has been an equally electrifying player on the court. Known for his incredible ball-handling and clutch performances, Irving is a proven talent. But off the court, his controversies have often overshadowed his performance, such as his refusal to get vaccinated during the 2021-2022 season, leading to him missing a significant portion of games. Despite being a skilled point guard and a top-tier player when healthy, Irving’s issues off the court have affected his standing with both fans and voters, and some feel this has resulted in a somewhat muted All-Star case this year.
The central question is why Curry gets the benefit of the doubt in ways that Irving doesn’t. While both players have faced challenges—Curry with injuries and Irving with off-court issues—the disparity in their treatment boils down to public perception and marketability. Curry is a global icon, and his reputation has largely remained untarnished due to his leadership on a championship-contending team. His brand, his longevity, and his on-court consistency have kept him in the public eye, which significantly contributes to his continued status as an All-Star starter.
Irving, in contrast, has been more of a polarizing figure. His off-court controversies, including his vaccine stance and occasional conflicts with team management, have led some voters to view him less favorably. Despite his undeniable talent, Irving’s recent history has left more room for skepticism about his commitment to the team and to the league as a whole, which may contribute to his exclusion from the starter conversation.
Ultimately, the discrepancy in how these two players are treated reflects the larger dynamics of star power, media influence, and the public’s perception of players’ character. While Curry’s consistency and legacy in the league have earned him a spot as a starter despite injury concerns, Irving’s off-court issues have impacted how voters view his All-Star candidacy. The NBA’s All-Star voting system, which combines fan, media, and player votes, can sometimes be swayed by broader narratives surrounding a player’s persona, not just their on-court performance.
This brings to light the complexities of how All-Star selections are made and why certain players receive leniency while others face harsher scrutiny. Both Curry and Irving are undeniably talented, but the decisions surrounding their All-Star status highlight how much the narrative around a player, both on and off the court, influences the final outcome.
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