Josh Smith and 5 Potential All-Star Alternates Who Could Get the Call
As is the case every season, this year there were quite a few All-Star snubs. There's so much talent in the NBA right now that the All-Star rosters are very tough to crack, even for guys having outstanding seasons.
Although they didn't make the initial rosters, some of these snubs still have an outside chance to be named as replacements if injuries happen between now and the February 26th All-Star Game in Orlando.
That situation saw Kevin Love make his first All-Star team last season when he served as an injury replacement for the injured Yao Ming.
If that's the case this season, here's a look at the first five guys that could get the call.
Josh Smith
1 of 5All Smith has done is average 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 1.4 steals per game and keep the Atlanta Hawks winning despite the loss of perennial All-Star Al Horford.
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony should return soon, but if he doesn't or if there is another injury, Smith should be the first guy to get the call.
Kyle Lowry
2 of 5If there is an injury to a point guard in the Western Conference, Lowry's phone should be ringing. You could make the case for him anyway against the likes of Tony Parker and Steve Nash, but the veterans always win that argument.
Monta Ellis
3 of 5Ellis is the seventh leading scorer in the NBA and if there's a need for another scorer in the Western Conference, Scott Brooks should be calling on Ellis.
His 22.5 point per game average makes him the highest scorer of anyone not in the All-Star game.
Brandon Jennings
4 of 5Jennings should be the next guard added to the Eastern Conference squad if the need comes up.
Sure, he plays for a not-so-good Milwaukee Bucks team, but without Jennings, the Bucks wouldn't have half of their 12 wins on the season.
His numbers (18.4 points and 5.3 assists per game) warrant him being in Orlando.
Tyson Chandler
5 of 5Utah's Paul Millsap also deserves consideration here but I'm giving Chandler the nod as the fifth guy on this list.
He's done exactly what's been asked of him in New York and has helped turn the Knicks into a better than average defensive team.
Chandler's posted a solid 11.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per game but his presence alone has meant a lot to the Knicks so far.
