[Aloysius]

[ QUOTE ]
I like Okur a lot, but Brand is an absolute beast. This isn't the first time he's gotten jobbed in the all-star game.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah - I think 2004 was a notable Brand omission (where Kirileinko and Peja were selected as reserves - Brand was, among Western Conf. forwards that season to the All-Star break - 3rd TR, 1st OffR, 2nd PER, 2nd assists, 4th blocked shots, 4th scoring).

But I'm just glad he gets to rest up this year - although my sense from reading his quotes on it, he's pissed. This is a guy who *should* be in the All-Star game and not just his stats alone - a great ambassador for the game (the dude has a blog!), well-spoken, plays the game the right way.

[img]/images/graemlins/heart.gif[/img] Brand - he's a guy you really feel good rooting for.

-Al