Despite being voted in as a starter for his 16th All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant will not be participating thanks to his dislocated knee. The NBA has named New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis as Bryant’s replacement:
The NBA announces Anthony Davis will be taking Kobe Bryant’s spot in the All-Star game
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 7, 2014
The selection makes total sense from the NBA’s point of view. Not only is Davis deserving, averaging 20 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, but he will also represent the host site, as New Orleans is the host of All-Star Weekend.
The selection is Davis’ first of his young career and he presumably will have many more in his career. There were a number of possible selections as DeMarcus Cousins, Goran Dragic, and Mike Conley all had arguments for being invited.
Who will replace Bryant in the starting lineup is up to the discretion of Western Conference Coach Scott Brooks. It will likely be a guard so James Harden, Chris Paul, and Tony Parker are all options.
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