Post by Kasey on Feb 14, 2015 12:27:24 GMT -8
Feb. 14 - The Blazers LaMarcus Aldridge has been named a starter for the Western Conference team in the 64th annual NBA All-Star game. He will replace the injured Pelicans' Anthony Davis, who was voted a starter in the fan popularity vote which concluded last month.
Aldridge was voted by the coaches to appear in his fourth consecutive All-Star Game. There was speculation that the Thunder's Kevin Durant might get the nod to start, but West coach Steve Kerr announced that Aldridge would get the nod.
Aldridge is averaging 23.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season. He was expected to be out for 6-8 weeks with a torn ligament in his thumb, but announced two weeks ago that he would attempt to play with a splint though the end of the season and potentially in the playoffs.
Aldridge has not seen heavy minutes in his previous all-star appearances. Averaging just 11.3 minutes and never playing more than 13, he has averaged 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in three games. Despite the thumb injury, he had said he planned to play in the game. As a starter, he could see extended minutes.
The coaching staffs were selected and are based on the coaches whose teams had clinched the best record in the NBA by Feb. 1 -- Kerr of the Warriors in the West and Mike Budenholzer of the Hawks in the East.
The 64th NBA All-Star Game will tip off Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. (pacific time), at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game will be seen by fans in 215 countries and territories and will be heard in 47 languages. TNT will televise the All-Star Game for the 13th consecutive year.
Along with the All-Star Game, TNT will also air State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on Saturday, Feb. 14. The BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge and State Farm All-Star Saturday night will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Other events at Barclays Center include the NBA Development League All-Star Game presented by Kumho Tire and the NBA Development League Dream Factory presented by Boost Mobile on Sunday, Feb. 15, airing on NBA TV. Madison Square Garden will host Friday night's ESPN-televised Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game.
Click to read the DiamondThief's Eight Reasons Lamarcus Aldridge should start in the ASG.
Click to read Amex-NBA feature on LaMarcus Aldridge.
Click for our full coverage of 2015 All-Star Weekend.
- MKM
Note: Statistics and other information courtesy of the NBA's official website.
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Graphic courtesy of David.
