Every year when the All-Star teams have been announced, there are outcry’s over players that were ‘snubbed’. This year DeMarcus Cousins and Damian Lillard lead that group of players most fans and even experts would say deserved a spot. Well for DeMarcus Cousins at least, the problem has been solved, as the NBA just announced that ‘DMC’ will replace the injured Kobe Bryant in the All-Star Game….
Cousins, who will make his first NBA All-Star Game appearance, 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. Cousins is the first Kings’ All-Star since 2004. (via NBA)
But that doesn’t mean Cousins is going to start, in fact, given his position, he certainly won’t. Steve Kerr holds the honors as the most winning coach in the West to make the call on Bryant’s replacement in the starting lineup. Any guesses who might start? Klay Thompson perhaps? If it were James Harden, Kerr may not be able to return to Golden State without a mob waiting for him.
The 64th NBA All-Star Game will tip off Sunday, Feb. 15, at Madison Square Garden. The game will be seen by fans in 215 countries and territories and will be heard in 47 languages. TNT will televise the All-Star Game for the 13th consecutive year, marking Turner Sports’ 30th year of NBA All-Star coverage.
