As I sat watching the TNT broadcast analyzing the All-Star reserves announcement, I couldn't help but reflect on how this year's selections reflect the evolving nature of basketball excellence. The three-point shooting revolution we've witnessed over the past decade has fundamentally changed what constitutes an All-Star caliber player, and this year's reserves perfectly illustrate that transformation. When I look at players like RR Pogoy draining five three-pointers in crucial moments, it's clear that perimeter scoring has become the great equalizer in today's NBA. The numbers don't lie - teams are prioritizing spacing and shooting more than ever before, and the All-Star selections reflect this strategic shift.
What fascinates me most about this year's reserves is how they represent different archetypes of modern basketball excellence. You have the volume shooters who can create their own shots, the efficient specialists who excel in specific roles, and the versatile defenders who can switch across multiple positions. Watching Calvin Oftana and Rey Nambatac each hit two three-pointers in recent games demonstrates how teams now value players who can stretch the floor while maintaining defensive integrity. I've noticed that coaches selecting reserves tend to favor players who fit systematic approaches rather than just individual stat compilers. This year's group includes several players who might not have made it a decade ago but now represent essential skills for championship contention.
The inclusion of veteran presence deserves special mention, particularly when we see players like former MVP Kelly Williams going a perfect 2-of-2 from deep. In my years covering the league, I've observed how experienced players often bring intangible value that statistics can't fully capture. Williams' efficiency, though in limited attempts, showcases the wisdom that comes with experience - knowing when to shoot and when to facilitate. This balanced approach is something younger players often struggle with, which is why having these veterans in the All-Star game provides invaluable learning opportunities for the next generation.
Looking at the complete roster, I'm particularly impressed by how the selections balance individual excellence with team success. The reserves include players from teams across the standings spectrum, acknowledging that greatness isn't solely defined by win-loss records. However, I do question whether the selection process adequately accounts for two-way players. While offensive fireworks understandably capture attention, I've always believed that lockdown defenders deserve more recognition in these selections. The inclusion of several strong defensive players among this year's reserves suggests the selection committee is starting to value complete basketball players over pure scorers.
The geographic distribution of talent also stands out this season. We're seeing more international players making the cut, reflecting basketball's global expansion. This diversity enriches the All-Star experience and demonstrates how the game continues to evolve through cross-cultural exchange. Having covered international basketball for years, I appreciate how different playing styles merge to create the dynamic game we enjoy today. The All-Star game serves as the perfect showcase for this global basketball fusion.
As the season progresses toward the All-Star break, these selections will undoubtedly fuel debates among fans and analysts alike. Some deserving players inevitably get left out, which always sparks discussion about the selection criteria. From my perspective, the current system, while imperfect, generally identifies the players having the most significant impact on their teams' success. The reserves announced this year represent a compelling mix of established stars and emerging talents, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable All-Star weekend. The true test of these selections will come during the playoff push, when we'll see which of these All-Stars can elevate their games when it matters most.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
