NBA All-Star Game 2012: 9 Players Who Should Replace Joe Johnson

Atlanta hawks guard Joe Johnson's injured left knee is keeping him out of Atlanta's next two games and could prevent him from playing in his sixth consecutive All-Star Game.

If that's the case, an injury replacement will have to be named from a bunch of previous Eastern Conference All-Star snubs.

Here's a look at the top candidates that should be considered to replace an injured Johnson.

Josh Smith

We should look no further than Johnson's Atlanta teammate Josh Smith.

Smith should have made the team from the beginning and ultimately should be rewarded with his first All-Star appearance.

His numbers this year are All-Star worthy, averaging 16.0 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.1 BPG and 1.5 SPG.

Smith has been a stat-sheet stuffer and a big reason why the Hawks have remained competitive despite the loss of their other usual All-Star Al Horford.

Brandon Jennings

We aren't exactly looking for just a 2-guard to take Johnson's spot; we want to give it to the most deserving guy, and Jennings is certainly one of them.

Adding him will give the Eastern Conference an extra point guard, but in the All-Star Game setting, it doesn't necessarily matter.

Despite Milwaukee being an under .500 team, Jennings has proven he belongs this season, averaging 18.3 PPG and 5.2 APG as the only bright spot on the Bucks this season.

Tyson Chandler

If the East wants to add another big man, then Chandler should be rewarded for his hard work.

He's done exactly what he was brought to New York to do, and that's make an impact at the defensive end of the floor.

The once horrendous Knicks defense is now 12th in the NBA in points allowed (94.2), and Chandler has been a huge part of that.

His numbers don't necessarily jump off the page, but they aren't bad either. Chandler's averaging 11.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG and 1.42 BPG.

Sometimes it's nice to see the guy who knows his role and does his job well get rewarded at the end of the day.

Ryan Anderson

It's a game for the fans after all, and the game is in Orlando.

Rewarding the hometown guy isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Anderson has had a solid season, averaging 16.3 PPG and 7.3 RPG and leading the NBA in three-pointers made (95) by a large margin.

He wasn't even on the All-Star ballot, but Anderson has put together an All-Star type of season.

Ray Allen

If you're looking to simply replace the position by adding another shooting guard, then you have to take a look at Allen, who's no stranger to All-Star games.

He's not having his best season, averaging only 14.3 PPG, but he's still shooting the long ball very well, knocking it down at a 48 percent clip (third in NBA).

The Celtics are under .500 and probably don't deserve two All-Star's, but there aren't many other deserving 2-guards in the east.

Nick Young

To simply illustrate the lack of All-Star worthy 2-guards in the Eastern Conference, we will put Young on the list.

He's probably the next most worthy shooting guard, and he is putting together a pretty nice first half, averaging 17.2 PPG. But the Wizards are 7-25, and it's hard to reward them with an All-Star selection.

However, if it's a 2-guard that's needed to take Johnson's place, you could make the case that Young's having a better season than any other shooting guard in the East.

Amar'e Stoudemire

Stoudemire really hasn't been Amar'e-like this season, but looking at his numbers, he really isn't having that bad of a season.

He's averaged 18.0 PPG and 8.0 RPG so far this season. Those are numbers that should have him in consideration as an injury replacement.

Danny Granger

Here's the opportunity to reward the Indiana Pacers for having a very good first half of the season.

Giving the spot to Granger would give the Pacers a second All-Star selection, and it's not like he isn't having a very good season.

He's averaging 18.2 points per night, and, more importantly, he's been a big part of leading Indiana to a 20-12 start to the season.

Jeremy Lin

I'm not suggesting Lin should be in the All-Star Game after 10 productive NBA games. But it's a game for the fans, and nine out of 10 NBA fans would like to see the guy play.

Adding Lin would be the popular move, though maybe not the right move.