With how competitive the NBA has been this year, everyone knew that it would be some disappointed players once it came time for All-Star starters to be announced. Kyrie Irving had great shot at being named a starter for the All-Star game for the majority of the voting period.
However when the rankings were released on January 8th Raptors guard Kyle Lowry leapfrogged Irving in the rankings and never looked back. Earlier today John Wall and Kyle Lowry were announced to be the starting backcourt for the Eastern All-Stars
Now, although he’s not starting Kyrie Irving will most likely be elected to the all-star game for the second year in a row. Most players would be delighted to be in Irving’s situation, but I’m pretty sure Irving is somewhere a little disappointed.
Back in 2011 there was a rule created in the new CBA named the Fifth Year 30% Max Rule or what most call it , “Derrick Rose Rule”. This rule helps players on rookie contracts make up to 30% of their teams salary cap (previously 25%) if they reach certain requirements. These include winning a MVP award, getting voted into the All-Star game as a starter two times, or being named to any of the All-NBA teams twice in their first four seasons.
Since Kyrie hasn’t won MVP or been named to any All-NBA teams him being named a All-Star starter for the second consecutive year would have gotten him that increase however:
Kyrie Irving not named All Star starter, doesn’t qualify for his super-max extension to 27.5% of 2015-16 cap (unless wins MVP). Loses $9M.
— Albert Random (@AlbertRandom1) January 23, 2015
(Kyrie agreed to a 27.5% increase if he was given a player option)
Unless Kyrie wins MVP he missed out on joining this exclusive club that includes stars Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin.
