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ALLSTAR
DeMarcus Cousins

DeMarcus Cousins named All-Star injury replacement

Adi Joseph
USA TODAY Sports
Kings center DeMarcus Cousins will be a first-time All-Star.

Sacramento Kings fans can cool their jets, while Portland Trail Blazers fans get roaring.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver selected Kings center DeMarcus Cousins as an All-Star injury replacement for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, the league announced Friday. Cousins had been passed over last year by the commissioner and widely was viewed as one of two possibilities for this selection, along with Blazers guard Damian Lillard.

Cousins, a first-time All-Star, averages 23.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 blocks a game. But the Kings are 16-28, and Cousins has missed 12 of their games. Still, his numbers were impossible to overlook, as his 25.2 Player Efficiency Rating is sixth in the NBA. Many were surprised the coaches passed him over for Kevin Durant and Tim Duncan in the reserves selection.

Last season, Cousins was passed over as an injury replacement (again for Bryant) in favor of New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis. Cousins seemed to have better traditional statistics, but the Pelicans were hosting the event, and Davis' defensive prowess and efficiency drew praise.

Lillard was an All-Star reserve last season, when he participated in all five primary events of the weekend. Now he may be on the outside looking in, despite having a better season. The third-year point guard is averaging 21.8 points, 6.2 assists and 4.6 rebounds a game for the 32-14 Blazers.

There still is a chance Lillard could make it if another player pulls out from the Western Conference team, and the most likely candidate may be his teammate. Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has put off surgery on a torn thumb ligament, but he could use the injury as a reason to sit out of the game and allow Lillard to make his second All-Star appearance.

Bryant, voted in by fans to his 17th consecutive All-Star appearance, will miss the game because of shoulder surgery after missing last year's game because of a broken bone in his knee.

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