LaMarcus Aldridge Will Start 2015 All-Star Game in Place of Anthony Davis
The Western Conference All-Star team is undergoing some last-minute adjustments. Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge will start in place of injured New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.
Steve Kerr, who is coaching the Western Conference squad, went through multiple options before selecting Aldridge to start, according to ESPN's Marc Stein:
The Trail Blazers then confirmed the switch on Twitter:
Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk noted what the decision meant for Aldridge:
"That’s a huge coup for Aldridge, a guy who struggled to get recognized despite years of fantastic play up in Portland. Portland was going to build around Aldridge and Brandon Roy until Roy’s knees gave out, but now it is Aldridge and Damian Lillard.
Through it all Aldridge has been as good and consistent a power forward as the league has seen. This year is his fourth straight All-Star Game.
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Even though it would have been nice to see Kevin Durant—who is a bigger star than Aldridge—start the game, it didn't seem practical.
The Oklahoma City star is a small forward, at least technically. He's certainly got the size and length to play the 4, but Aldridge and Davis are both listed as power forwards.
Plus, Durant has only played in 26 games so far this season due to injuries. Aldridge has appeared in 47 games, despite battling a thumb problem, and that 21-game difference should hold some water.
Both players are certain to see a lot of time on the floor; there's no doubt about that. Giving Aldridge his brief moment in the spotlight seems like a nice gesture by Kerr.
