Paul George will indeed have a spot on the All-Star team in Los Angeles following commissioner Adam Silver picking George to replace the injured DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins, who was voted in as a starter, suffered an injured Achilles during a late game situation against the Houston Rockets.
The injury leaves not only the Pelicans down an All-Star, but LeBron James’ All-Star team took a hit.
George was not voted into the game, making him a part of a continually growing list of snubs league-wide. A candidate for this season’s defensive player of the year, and leading the NBA in steals — 2.1 per game — and deflections, George received the most votes from Western Conference among those players who were left off a team.
The 27-year-old is averaging 21 points, three assists, and five rebounds this season. George is shooting a career-best 42 percent from behind the arc on more than seven attempts per game.
Teammate and reigning MVP, Russell Westbrook, was upset enough by his teammate not being named an All-Star he voiced his displeasure to the media. George was impressed with the enthusiastic way Westbrook campaigned for his All-Star case.
After a win in Detroit against the Pistons on Saturday, George appreciated the chance to play in the game, but according to ESPN’s Royce Young, did acknowledge the circumstances that landed him the spot.
“Obviously, I would have liked to make it under better circumstances, because of an injury, I got in,” George told ESPN after the game. “But needless to say, I’m happy for this to be my fifth and go alongside [Westbrook] and, you know, be a part of this franchise to hold it down for the Thunder. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
