One of the most fascinating highlights of Superbowl 59, was Kendrick Lamar's half-time performance, and most notably was his rendition of hit single, "All the Stars" alongside Sza. A hit single in the Black Panther soundtrack, Lamar details a man at odds with himself in pursuit of his own dreams, and while it did evoke emotions and reflect on the movie, it definitely does tell a tale of many athletes, who are not T'challa but well relate to him on many levels.
SZA and Kendrick Lamar perform onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
SZA and Kendrick Lamar perform onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
In American sports, being an All Star is on a personal level as great a recognition gets outside of League MVP or First Team All (inserts sport affixation). These things embody the body of work when you retire. It is what the world will make reference to when all is said and done. Not many will win MVPs, and not many are gracious to be First Teamers, but the field to be an All Star is more accommodating. The odds to be a Pro-Bowler in the NFL, or All Star in the NBA, MLB or MLS is just about 5.7%. To be a First Team All Pro in the NFL, the odds are 2%. To achieve that in the NBA is 1.1%. It is literally the cream of the crop.
It further explains why NBA stars take it to heart when they are not named All Stars, because it is literally the best shot at a recognition. Not everyone can be a Superstar, not everyone will be recognzied as a star. Take Tyrese Haliburton, who has hit clutch shot after clutch shot in the playoffs but is considered an All Star and not a Superstar. In a poll recently conducted, #0 was voted the most overrated NBA player. Yet, Haliburton has lit things up it in back-to-back years leading a team to the Conference Finals.
The Life of a Star
The odds to be named into any of the 3 All NBA Teams is 3.3%, to be a part of the All defensive teams is also just about 2%. The margin for error is thin. It does help that now, these accolades are tied to contract incentives that run into millions of dollars, and help build generational wealth. It is why when Trae Young, the leader of the Atlanta Hawks on his social media said he is disrespected after the initial All Star announcement, there is an instant reaction. Young went to San Francisco as an Alternate this year, a selection by NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver as a replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Another person in his shoes? Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks star, who replaced injured teammate, Anthony Davis. The selection is Irving's 11th. The man who made perhaps the most clutch shot in NBA history, and this season has averaged 25points per game, 5 rebounds per game & 5 assists per game wasn't a first ballot All Star. Young, the other commissioner replacement has averaged 23points per game, 3 rebounds per game & 11assists per game (1st in the NBA).
There has been question over the competitiveness of the All Star. It is an irony that clouds the competition in itself. Voted for by fans at a 50% clip, with media and peers taking the other half. The All Star reserves are selected by coaches. It is why when people question the competitiveness, there is a cause to pause. The All Star Game, the pinnacle of the All Star weekend has averaged over 300 points over the last decade with teams scoring just over 155pts on the average. The last time the points tally was under 300 was in 2018 (293). Simply put, guys aren't playing defense. The average over the last decade reaches a new crescendo over the last two, with the average a staggering 378points.
Have guys ever played defense in the All Star? Given the relative high scoring nature games have always taken. However, it's gotten out of hand. The introduction of a new format to spice things up with four different teams and a first to 40 score is an attempt to salvage what is left of the weekend, but as far as experiments go, it is a gamble many are not convinced has paid off. A weekend of entertainment and celebration of basketball is now an endangered species. To make matters worse, LaMelo Ball, a quintessential entertainer, who was the leading vote-getter amongst Eastern Conference Guards didn't even get a look-in. Ball is 7th in points, 14th in assists & has 9 Double doubles for a Charlotte team condemned to the draft lottery. His crime amongst the media and possibly coaches? He doesn't win. Winning is nice, but if the All Star Game is supposed to be an exhibition of the league's biggest stars on display, the wonder is if records should matter.
LaMelo Ball #1 of the
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates three point basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 20, 2025 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
What elevates a player status?
If the record does matter, then playoff performances should elevate player statuses. Jamal Murray is a phenomenal playoff performer. The silhouette of his one legged jumper will haunt Los Angeles natives on both Lakers and Clippers divide. However, he has never been an All Star, and is perhaps not considered a star in the league. The standards for stardom and superstardom are as blurry as they are clear. The debates will never end.
Should the status not be elevated? Jamal Murray has averaged 23.7 points, 6.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds in 79 games in the playoffs in his career. Tyrese Haliburton has averaged 18.7 points, 8.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 26 games, while Trae Young has averaged 26.4 points, 9.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 27 games in the playoffs. Most notably, the trio have had iconic moments in the playoffs. Ball is not in the conversation because the best the Charlotte Hornets have done is the play-in. However, the aforementioned trio have lit up Madison Square Garden and Crypto.Com Arena in the biggest moments. That should count for something. The pantheon of greats is littered with resumes like the trio, they may not be superstars, but they have earned the consideration. When the All Star Games come around in Los Angeles, The idea of these guards need to change.