The All-Star break for the members of this year’s Cavalier team is all about rest, as opposed to participating in the festivities. Except for one Cavalier: Daniel Gibson who will be taking part in the 3 point shoot-out. We know that Daniel deserves to be there, his .443 shooting percentage from behind the arc is 5th best in the league, and 3rd best in the league for players with more than 150 triples attempted.
The question I have isn’t about Gibson deserving to be there, but rather should he participate given his injury troubles this year?
Perhaps I’m just too much of a team-first guy, but it seems that Daniel has struggled to stay on the court this season, and could use the full 5 days of rest the Cavaliers are scheduled for.
Yes, the three point contest is not like playing in an actual game, where there is a higher chance for an ankle to be rolled or a foot to be stepped on. Gibson though has been troubled lately with a quad strain. Last time I checked the quad was certainly used in the jump shooting motion. And it isn’t just about the 20 or 40 shots he may take in the contest. On the Cavaliers’ official site there is video of Daniel practicing for the contest. How many more times will he practice? How many shots will he take in preparation for the event?
Is the season a bit of a lost cause? Well certainly nobody is thinking playoffs. But with nagging injuries to all the point guards there is a bit of a premium on that position for the Cavs. Mo Williams can’t stay on the floor. Ramon Sessions is marching out there every day hurting, but still getting the job done.
Am I being too critical? Maybe. I guess I just don’t see the glory in an individual award of this type. And there certainly is no guarantee Gibson even wins.
(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
