In a bit of a surprise move, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver decided against replacing injured Western Conference All-Star Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers with another guard, specifically Portland's Damian Lillard, and instead selected Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins as Bryant's replacement in the 2015 NBA All-Star Game.
Cousins will be making his first NBA All-Star Game appearance. He is the first Kings’ All-Star since 2004.
Cousins got off to a great start this season, but hit a rough patch when he missed several games due to illness. Nevertheless, Cousins, like Lillard, is worthy of the selection, as he ranks fifth in the NBA in scoring (23.8 ppg) and third in rebounding (12.3 rpg). Over the last 20 years, only five players -- David Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Love -- have averaged at least 23.0 points and 12.0 rebounds in a season.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, who earned the right to coach the West squad because the Warriors clinched the best record in the conference through games played Feb. 1, will determine who replaces Bryant in the starting lineup.
The 64th NBA All-Star Game will tip off Sunday, Feb. 15, at Madison Square Garden.
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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