There was a time Karl Malone might not have minded an All-Star Game snub like the one he received Tuesday.

This time, though, Malone seemed genuinely saddened that he was not asked to represent the Western Conference at next month's mid-season showcase event in Atlanta.
     
"I don't think it matters," he said in a quiet, measured tone.
     
"You can't control it, and there ain't nothing you can do about it," Malone added. "But . . . I got nominated 14 times (previously). They don't pick you now? What can you do about it?"