The NBA has just announced the names of the two players who will replace injured Kevin Durant and Draymond Green at the All-Star Game. The league, or rather the coaches, have chosen to reward the Hornets’ good start to the season with LaMelo Ball. At only 20 years old, the Rookie Of The Year 2021 averages 19.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists. He was chosen over Jarrett Allen and Jaylen Brown, and he is one of the most spectacular players in the NBA. No one would have imagined, two years ago, that Lonzo’s brother would be All-Star in his second season! Jayson Tatum will start in place of Kevin Durant.
For the West Coast, it is also a very complete leader who wins his first selection, and it is Dejounte Murray, Tony Parker’s successor at Spurs. A nice revenge for this player seriously injured in the knee, and become one of the most complete leaders of the NBA, as effective in attack as in defense with his 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game. Having become a triple-double specialist, he has just equaled David Robinson’s franchise record, and he is Nikola Jokic’s runner-up in this category with 10 triple-doubles this season!
WEST CONFERENCE
Holders — Ja Morant (Grizzlies), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Andrew Wiggins (Warriors), LeBron James (Lakers), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets).
Substitutes — Chris Paul (Suns), Luka Doncic (Mavericks), Donovan Mitchell (Jazz), Devin Booker (Suns), Draymond Green (Warriors)Dejounte Murray (Spurs), Karl-Anthony Towns (Wolves), Rudy Gobert (Jazz).
EAST CONFERENCE
Holders —Trae Young (Hawks), DeMar DeRozan (Bulls), Kevin Durant (Nets)Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), Joel Embiid (Sixers).
Substitutes — Darius Garland (Cavaliers), Fred VanVleet (Raptors), James Harden (Nets), Zach LaVine (Bulls), Khris Middleton (Bucks), Jimmy Butler (Heat), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), LaMelo Ball (Hornets).
