Thunder forward Paul George will replace DeMarcus Cousins in the All-Star Game, the league office announced. He will be part of the team captained by LeBron James.
This is the third straight All-Star appearance for George and the fifth of his career. He is averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals in 45 games with the Thunder.
Under league rules, when an All-Star is injured, as Cousins was with a season-ending rupture to his left Achilles, commissioner Adam Silver will select a replacement from the same conference. George had the most points among players who weren’t chosen as reserves this week in a vote by coaches.
George is in his first season with the Thunder after being acquired from the Pacers in a July trade. He is expected to opt out of a $20.7MM salary for next season and test the market in free agency.
Which reserves move to the starting lineup?
If they still want to go big, probably KP. If they want to go to a more normal lineup, either Russ or PG makes sense.
Russ is what a few tenths from averaging a triple double again. And not starting?
I mean do LBJ have a choice? Could it be that the next front court guy in his group with the highest fan votes is inserted as a starter?
Russ should start and everybody knows it