First-timers Jokic, Simmons among ASG reserves
The NBA announced the 14 reserves for the 2019 All-Star Game on Thursday, with Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers, Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic and Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks making their first appearances.
All-Star reserves are selected by the coaches.
Joining Jokic to round out the Western Conference: Russell Westbrook (eighth selection), Klay Thompson (fifth selection), Damian Lillard (fourth selection), Anthony Davis (sixth selection), LaMarcus Aldridge (seventh selection) and Karl-Anthony Towns (second selection).
Joining Simmons, Middleton and Vucevic in the Eastern Conference: Bradley Beal (second selection), Victor Oladipo (second selection), Kyle Lowry (fifth selection) and Blake Griffin (sixth selection).
LeBron James was the leading vote-getter for the Feb. 17 NBA All-Star Game and will serve as a team captain along with Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Dallas’ Luka Doncic were among the 20 players announced Tuesday as participants in this year’s Rising Stars game at All-Star Weekend.
Rapper J. Cole will headline the halftime show at the NBA All-Star Game, with Meek Mill opening the game.
Notably absent from the rosters are Jimmy Butler of the Philadelphia 76ers, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz, rookie sensation Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Because of a season-ending injury, Oladipo will be replaced in the pool, selected by the commissioner. Candidates for that spot include D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets, Butler and possibly Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.
A few notes on the selections: the East-leading Bucks have multiple All-Stars for the first time since 2001; Jokic is the first Nuggets All-Star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011; Vucevic is the first Magic All-Star since Dwight Howard in 2011; the Spurs have an All-Star for the 21st straight season.
Teams will be selected via a draft by Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James, who were the leading vote-getters in their respective conferences. The All-Star draft is Feb. 7 and will be broadcast on TNT.
Starters were named last week through a process combining fan votes (50 percent), media votes (25 percent) and player votes (25 percent).
In the Western Conference, the starter pool is made up of James, Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant and guard Stephen Curry, Houston Rockets guard James Harden and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George.
In the Eastern Conference, the starter pool is made up of Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker, Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving and Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard.
The All-Star Game is Feb. 17 in Charlotte.