Ben Simmons, Nikola Vucevic, Nikola Jokic and Khris Middleton earn All-Star honours for the first time
Friday 1 February 2019 08:01, UK
Former Most Valuable Player Russell Westbrook heads the list of reserves announced on Thursday night for the NBA All-Star Game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder guard, the All-Star Game MVP in both 2015 and 2016 and the league MVP in 2016-17, received his eighth All-Star selection.
Other reserves include four first-time All-Stars: Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons, the reigning Rookie of the Year; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic and Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton.
Seven reserves were selected from each conference, joining the 10 starters who were announced last week. However, the game won't feature a showdown between the East and the West.
Instead, sides will be selected by captains LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, the top Western Conference vote-getter, and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks, the top Eastern Conference vote-getter.
On February 7, the teams will be determined in a two-round draft. James will have the first pick of the starters, with he and Antetokounmpo then alternating selections through the eight options. The second round will feature the selection of the reserves, with Antetokounmpo picking first.
One All-Star who won't be among those drafted is Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo, who underwent surgery Monday to repair a torn right quadriceps tendon. An injury replacement will be announced.
"I just want to thank the players, coaches, fans and media for voting for me, it's most appreciated," Oladipo said in a statement released by the Pacers. "I am honestly speechless just knowing I have the support of my peers, people I look up to and admire, as well as the fans.
"All I can say is thank you and I am working on coming back stronger not just physically, but mentally as well."
The defending NBA champion Golden State Warriors will have three All-Stars, with reserve Klay Thompson joining starters Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
With Middleton joining Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee has multiple All-Stars for the first time since Ray Allen and Glenn Robinson were selected in 2000-01.
LaMarcus Aldridge's selection as a reserve extends San Antonio's streak of having at least one All-Star to 21 years in a row, the NBA's longest active run.
Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry was selected to his fifth consecutive All-Star Game, tying the longest streak ever by a player who never was an All-Star in his first eight seasons. Chauncey Billups previously accomplished the feat.
The All-Star Game will be played on February 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can watch the game live on Sky Sports.
