With Rajon Rondo Now Included, the NBA's All-Injury All-Star Team Is Loaded

Rajon Rondo's season-ending ACL injury occurred shortly after the 2013 NBA All-Star team was announced. Rondo will not be able to play in the Feb. 26th All-Star game, but the same can be said for several other elite players who will be held out due to injury.

In honor of Rajon Rondo and injured players everywhere, here is the 2013 NBA All-Injury All-Star team.

PG—Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Before news broke on January 27th that he had torn his ACL, Rajon Rondo’s 11.1 assists per game led the league by a mile, with second-place Chris Paul coming in at 9.7 assists per game.

Rondo was also averaging a career-high 13.7 points to go along with 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals. Including his 2013 All-Star selection, Rondo has made four consecutive All-Star teams.

Second Team—Mo Williams, Utah Jazz: 12.9 PTS, 6.7 REB, 0.9 STL

SG—Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Since this is an All-Star team, Derrick Rose slides to the shooting guard position alongside Rondo in the backcourt.

Rose has not played in 2012 after tearing his ACL during the 2011 season. He was the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year and the 2011 NBA MVP. He has made the All-Star team each of the last three seasons.

Rose is expected to return sometime after the All-Star break.

Second Team—Lou Williams, Atlanta Hawks: 14.1 PTS, 3.6 AST, 1.1 STL, 1.8 3PT

SF—Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers

Granger has not played in the regular season this year due to a left knee injury. Last season, the 6’9” forward averaged 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.0 three-pointers for the Pacers.

In 2009, Granger made the All-Star team and was voted the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

Second Team—Andrea Bargnani*, Toronto Raptors: 16.0 PTS, 4.3 REB, 1.4 AST, 1.4 3PT

(*The 7’0” Bargnani is obviously playing out of position at SF, but he shoots and rebounds like a SF, so humor me here. Remember, it’s an All-Star team.)

PF—Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

Before breaking his right hand in early January, Kevin Love was putting up his usual incredible numbers: 18.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 three-pointers per game.

Love made the All-Star team in 2011 and 2012, and would have likely made his third-consecutive team this year if not for his injury. He will return to the court in late March based on his current rehab schedule.

Second Team—Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers: 14.1 PTS, 14.4 REB, 3.4 AST, 1.5 STL

C—Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia 76ers

After making his first All-Star team in 2012 with the Lakers, Bynum has yet to suit up this season for his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers.

The seven-foot center had a breakout year with the Lakers in 2012, averaging 18.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks on 55.8% field goal percentage. Barring any further bowling-related setbacks, Bynum is trying to return after the All-Star break.

Second Team—Andrew Bogut, Golden State Warriors: 6.0 PTS, 3.8 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.0 BLK (in four games this year.)