PHOENIX — Thursday proved a mixed bag for Derrick Rose’s All-Star chances as the second-year guard attempts to become the first Bull since 1998 to earn a berth.
On the one hand, fans voted Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson in as an Eastern Conference starter at guard despite the fact the veteran is averaging just 14.4 points on 46 percent shooting.
However, Cleveland announced that guard Mo Williams will be sidelined at least one month with a sprained left shoulder. Williams represented one of Rose’s main challengers for a reserve spot, which will be announced on Jan. 28 after voting by NBA coaches.
Coaches typically factor team success into their voting for reserves, so it figured Williams would get major consideration to join LeBron James, who was voted in by the fans as a starter at forward.
Photo: Derrick Rose prepares to shoot a free-throw. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)
Atlanta’s Joe Johnson is a lock to join Iverson and Miami’s Dwyane Wade as East All-Star guards. Beyond that, Rose’s main competition now figures to come from Boston’s Rajon Rondo and Orlando’s Vince Carter, who isn’t having a great year but is on a dominant team.
No matter what, Rose will be in Dallas to defend his Skills Challenge title and at least play in the Rookie Challenge game. But he won’t need to play in that game if he gets his wish.
“Obviously, I want to be in the real All-Star game,” Rose said. “It’d be an honor. It’s not up to me to decide if I deserve it. But if I’m voted in as a reserve, I won’t let them down.”
Read the original article from Tribune News Services.