New Orleans will finally be represented in this year’s All-star game that will be held in its own city on Sunday (Monday PH time) as the Pelican’s rising star Anthony Davis was selected to complete the western All-star roster.
photo credit: usatoday.com (howard smith)
The sophomore big man was chosen by NBA commissioner Adam Silver to replace Kobe Bryant, who was voted as a starter but will not make it in the February 16 festivities due to the latter’s knee injury rehabilitation. The substitute for the Black mamba though in the starting five will depend on Coach Scott Brooks preference.
Davis, who will also play in the BBVA rising star challenge, is the sixth neophyte All-star for this year joining Steph Curry, John Wall, Damian Lillard, Paul Millsap and DemarDerozan.
The 6’11 forward’s selection was a well-justified one as he is having an impressive season so far averaging 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game to lead his team in both departments while pacing the entire league in blocks. He also ranks fifth in the NBA in player efficiency rating, behind only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Love and Chris Paul.
The 2012 no.1 pick will be the 10th player in the Hornets/Pelicans franchise history to be named as an All-star and the first one since Paul in 2008.