The NBA’s problem of being overrun by players who look like All-Stars is slowly resolving itself.
While it would help if Eastern Conference coaches and NBA commissioner Adam Silver did a better job of selecting All-Stars.
Nets striker Kevin Durant, who was out with a hamstring injury, will remain out during the All-Star break. Your All-Star replacement? Great Pacers Domantas Sabonis.
Networks:
Kevin Durant medical update: pic.twitter.com/2NG9PExjJp
– Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 26, 2021
NBA:
Indiana Pacers striker Domantas Sabonis was appointed by NBA commissioner Adam Silver to replace Brooklyn Nets striker Kevin Durant in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played on Sunday, March 7
Sabonis is having a good season. It helps Indiana in many ways – passing, protecting, hitting, scoring from the inside against weaker opponents. But its effectiveness drops considerably against larger / more athletic opponents, and its defense – both protecting the rim and the perimeter – is lacking. Again, he is a good player. It simply does not hold up against other options.
Heat winger Jimmy Butler, Bucks winger Khris Middleton, big Bam Adebayo from Heat, Hawks ‘guard, Trae Young, and Bucks’ guard, Jrue Holiday, would have been substantially better choices.
Celtics striker Jayson Tatum, who came in fourth in the Eastern Conference starter vote, moves on to the starter group. But it is unclear how the All-Star draft will proceed. Will Durant remain the captain? If so, when will he have an extra choice in the first round with an odd number of non-captains (nine)? Or will Giannis Antetokounmpo, who received the second highest number of fan votes in the East, become captain?
Brooklyn schedule until the All-Star break:
- Saturday: vs. Mavericks
- Monday: no Spurs
- Wednesday: on the rockets
It would be good for Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving to develop more chemistry together. But the Nets have already proven to be dangerous. Put them healthy in the heats and they will be a big threat.