BOSTON -- When Dana Barros is introduced at appearances in his role as community relations consultant for the Boston Celtics, he's not just 14-year NBA veteran Dana Barros. Or former first-round pick Dana Barros. He's Dana Barros, former NBA All-Star.
There's something about the title of "All-Star" that resonates. It commands attention. It offers immediate validation that a player didn't just reach the highest level of their sport, but distinguished themselves enough to be invited to an annual midseason showcase that, while the game itself might be superfluous, the honor is eternal.