Paul George to replace DeMarcus Cousins on Team LeBron in All-Star Game
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George has been named by commissioner Adam Silver as DeMarcus Cousins' injury replacement on Team LeBron for the NBA All-Star Game.
George received the most votes from NBA head coaches among Western Conference players who weren't named as All-Star reserves, making his selection an obvious one.
This is the fifth All-Star nod of his career, and his third in a row.
Cousins was slated to start alongside New Orleans Pelicans twin tower Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury Friday night against the Houston Rockets. As far as who will replace him in the lineup, that decision will fall upon Team LeBron's head coach, who has yet to be determined at this time.
Russell Westbrook called George's original snub from the roster "outrageous," with George appreciating that level of support from the reigning triple-double king, and that it would come into play when he ultimately decides where to sign long term in free agency.
George is averaging 21 points, 5.5 rebounds, three assists, and a league-best 2.2 steals through 46 appearances in his first season with the now 29-20 Thunder.
The All-Star Game will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 18.