New Orleans star is given a worthy nomination.
The New Orleans Pelicans will have one of their own in the NBA All-Star game with centre Anthony Davis named to replace injured Lakers star Kobe Bryant.
It is fitting the Pelicans big man will represent his team as they host the NBA annual extravaganza, with his form also making a strong case for inclusion.
Davis was close to being an outright choice for the Western Conference, missing out by one place from a spot on the bench.
And despite the disappointment Davis said he was ready to watch on, however, he was now ecstatic that he will be taking part in one of the most-hyped events of the season.
“I was down, but I moved on. I understand that I have a lot more opportunities to try to get in the game,” Davis said. “Today, it was great.”
“It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m excited to play in the game,” said Davis, who was informed he’d been added to the Western Conference roster by Pelicans coach Monty Williams.
“When coach said it. I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. I’m glad they chose me. I’ll try to go out and represent New Orleans and the Pelicans.”
Davis is averaging 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and a league-leading 3.3 blocks for the Pelicans. Davis, the No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft, is also scheduled to play in the Rising Stars Challenge for rookies and second-year players next Friday.
Williams said he was over the moon for his young star being recognised by new NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who chose Davis to place Bryant, who is still recovering from a broken knee.
“I can’t tell you how happy I was to be able to tell him the news after having to tell him the first time that he didn’t make it. It was a cool moment. I can’t express that enough, how happy I am for him,” Williams said. “He thought I was joking. He said, `Not a game, coach?’ And I was like, `No, not a game. You made it.’ And he was speechless and laughing. You know, he’s 20. I didn’t expect a poem or anything.
“I thought he deserved it the first time,” Williams added.
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