Jan 19, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) holds the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) defends during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The reserves for the Feb. 16 NBA All-Star Game were announced Thursday, with some surprising omissions.
January 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) dunks the ball against Denver Nuggets power forward J.J. Hickson (7) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps chief among those was Sacramento Kings centerDeMarcus Cousins, who was bypassed despite having a career year thus far in 2013-14. In terms of player efficiency rating, Cousins—who ranks sixth in the NBA at 26.5 (average is 15)—was the highest-ranked among the players not chosen.
Cousins has missed Sacramento’s last four games with a sprained ankle, but is averaging a career-high 22.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, three assists and 1.8 steals and is also averaging 1.2 blocks, matching his career best. His 48.8 percent shooting percentage is also the highest of his four-year career.
David Leeof the Golden State Warriors was also not selected. He is averaging 19 points and 9.8 rebounds a game this season on 51.7 percent shooting, but was not selected for his third All-Star Game. He was an All-Star in 2013, as well as in 2010, when he was with the New York Knicks.
The Warriors haven’t had multiple All-Stars sinceTim Hardawayand Chris Mullen were in the 1993 game. GuardStephen Currywas chosen to start the game in fan voting results that were announced last week.
Sacramento has now gone a decade without an All-Star selection.Brad MillerandPeja Stojakovicwere the Kings’ last All-Stars in 2004. Since moving to Sacramento in 1985, the Kings have only had five All-Stars:Mitch Richmond(six selections),Chris Webber(four), Stojakovic (three),Vlade Divacand Miller.
The Western Conference reserves includeLaMarcus AldridgeandDamian Lillardof the Portland Trail Blazers,James HardenandDwight Howardof the Houston Rockets,Dirk Nowitzkiof the Dallas Mavericks,Tony Parkerof the San Antonio Spurs andChris Paulof the Los Angeles Clippers.
Fans selected Curry, along withKobe Bryantof the Los Angeles Lakers,Blake Griffinof the Clippers,Kevin Durantof the Oklahoma City Thunder andKevin Loveof the Minnesota Timberwolves as starters.
The Eastern starters announced last week includeLeBron JamesandDwyane Wadeof the Miami Heat,Carmelo Anthonyof the New York Knicks,Kyrie Irvingof the Cleveland Cavaliers andPaul Georgeof the Indiana Pacers.
Eastern reserves announced Thursday includeChris Boshof the Heat,DeMar DeRozanof the Toronto Raptors,Roy Hibbertof the Pacers,Joe Johnsonof the Brooklyn Nets,Paul Millsapof the Atlanta Hawks,Joakim Noahof the Chicago Bulls andJohn Wallof the Washington Wizards.
Add us as a preferred source onGoogleLoading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations