TORONTO: All-Star disrespect for the Cavaliers continued Friday with the announcement that a strained calf will keep Chris Bosh out of the weekend’s competitions at Air Canada Centre.
Atlanta forward/center Al Horford (15.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 blocks) was named to replace Bosh on the Eastern Conference team in Sunday’s game, while Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum will take over in Saturday night’s Foot Locker 3-Point Contest.
Three-time All-Star Kevin Love (15.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists) would have been another candidate to fill in for Bosh on the East team. The Cavs have only one representative in Toronto — 12-time All-Star and four-time league MVP LeBron James.
McCollum, a former standout at GlenOak High School, is shooting .392 percent from long range and has made 125 3-pointers. The Cavs’ J.R. Smith has 129 3-pointers and is shooting .402, while Kyrie Irving has hit .394 beyond the arc this month. Irving has played in only 26 games since his return from a fractured kneecap.
During Friday’s interviews at the Sheraton Centre Toronto, the Spurs’ Draymond Green was stunned to learn Irving would not take part.
“Kyrie’s not in the All-Star Game? Wow. I didn’t know that,” Green said. “That’s incredible. I know he was hurt, I still thought he got in.”
Green also mused about the absence of Love, although he missed on Love’s appearance total.
“That’s tough, especially for a guy who’s been an All-Star five or six times,” Green said of Love. “You definitely think they’d have more guys than just one.”
James sized up the top four teams — the Cavs, Raptors, Warriors and Spurs — and lamented that the East-leading Cavs have one representative while the Spurs and Raptors have two each and the defending champion Warriors three. Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson will also participate in the 3-point contest and Green in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge.
“Our guys just have got to use it as motivation,” James said. “I’ll try to use it as motivation as well. Winning a championship is a huge piece of it, but it would have been a great treat to see us get two.”
Cavs coach Tyronn Lue also spoke up on behalf of Love and Irving.
“I think Kevin Love is an All-Star,” Lue said. “Being the No. 1 team in the East, Kyrie was out for so long and Kevin and LeBron carried the team for so long. I didn’t think it was right.
“Kyrie would definitely be an All-Star if he played enough games. In my book, we still have three All-Stars.”
David Blatt defended
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who will coach the Western Conference All-Stars because Golden State’s Steve Kerr is not allowed the honor in two consecutive years, remains upset about the Cavs’ Jan. 22 firing of coach David Blatt.
Asked what he made of the decision, Popovich said tersely, “I don’t judge other teams.”
Asked if it made any sense to him after the Cavs reached the NBA Finals in June, Popovich said: “I feel for every coach that’s ever been fired, including David. He’s a great coach. But usually people are fired for circumstances that are beyond their control, and it usually has nothing to do with whether they’re a good coach or not. I find that to be the case almost all the time. But as far as judging an organization, I’ll leave that to you guys.”
Popovich said he has spoken to Blatt since he was ousted. But when asked to briefly summarize what he told Blatt, Popovich said, “None of your business.”
LeBron unsure on Rio
Many assumed James would make his final Olympic appearance at this year’s summer Games in Rio de Janeiro after participating in 2004, 2008 and 2012. But James, 31, said Friday he’s unsure of his plans. Bleacher Report said Thursday that Kobe Bryant’s decision to sit out could affect James’ thinking.
“I haven’t quite decided if I’m on the fence of going or not,” James said. “But I’ve always loved representing my country. So, no, I haven’t made a decision yet.”
For the trophy case
After Bryant made his final appearance in Cleveland on Wednesday night, he came into the Cavs’ locker room to give James his purple and gold Nike game shoes with a personalized inscription.
Asked Friday if they were for James’ children, James said, “No, they were to me. They were dedicated to me, and they’re going to go in my trophy case.”
James received a pair of Adidas from Bryant when James played for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School.
Quote of the day
James on the difference between ex-coach David Blatt and Lue: “Their height.”
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com.