Kemba Walker Reportedly Replaces Kristaps Porzingis in 2018 NBA All-Star Game

Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker will appear in his second straight All-Star game after replacing the injured Kristaps Porzingis on the roster, per Shams Charania of The Vertical.

Porzingis was diagnosed with a torn ACL that he suffered in Tuesday's game against the Bucks.

Walker entered the day averaging 22.6 points and 5.8 assists in 51 games this season.

He will join Team LeBron, which makes him the fourth injury replacement on the roster after DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall and Kevin Love. Three of those players have come from the East, creating more opportunities for players in the conference to earn All-Star selections.

Paul George, Goran Dragic and Andre Drummond were the previous injury replacements.

Josh Eberley of Hoop Magazine believes this was a long time coming:

Conversely, others think 76ers rookie Ben Simmons deserves a spot, like Kevin Parrish Jr. of USA Today:

"

Ben Simmons should be playing in the All-Star Game. He got snubbed again...

— Kevin Parrish Jr (@KevinParrishJr) February 8, 2018"

The Hornets have struggled this season to a 23-30 record, but Walker has been the best player on the roster while leading the team in points, assists and steals. The 27-year-old also ranks 19th in the NBA in value over replacement player, per Basketball Reference, a category that now features 18 All-Stars in the top 20.

With just one more year under contract with the Hornets, another All-Star selection will be a nice addition to Walker's resume once he hits free agency.