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5 Potential All-Star Replacements for DeMarcus Cousins

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I was all prepared to start writing my list for the top all-star snubs...then this happened. Last night, DeMarcus Cousins' MVP-caliber season came to an end following an awkward landing in a game against the Houston Rockets. Cousins ended up tearing his left Achilles tendon, ending his season after 48 games. While this has big implications for the New Orleans Pelicans, this also changes the All-Star game big time, as Cousins was set to start for Team LeBron at the center position. Who will replace Cousins? That's still yet to be decided, so here are five players I think should fill that spot. As for the requirements, I'm not sure exactly how they'll replace Cousins, but for the sake of this list, these are my requirements.
  • They must be from the Western Conference.
  • They must be either a forward or a center.
  • They have to have played in at least half of the games this season.
So with that out of the way, let's get into this. These are my picks for potential replacements for DeMarcus Cousins in the 2018 All-Star Game.

Tyreke Evans

Starting off I have what is probably the biggest long shot for the all-star game, but I think he could potentially be an all-star. Tyreke Evans has been having a major bounce-back year, as he is putting up his best numbers since his standout rookie season in 2010. While the Grizzlies have been having a terrible season so far (17-31 on the year right now), Evans is putting up great numbers that deserve some praise. For the season, Evans is averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5 assists, and a steal per game while shooting 45% from the field and 39% from three-point range. He's a big long shot, but it's not a crazy idea to think Tyreke Evans could make his first all-star appearance this season.

Paul George

Going from the biggest long shot to possibly the biggest snub from the all-star game, we have Paul George. Following the trade that saw him move from the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, George has continued to put up great numbers and could easily be considered a candidate for the All-Star Game, especially now that there is a spot open. For the season, George averages 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game while shooting 43% from the field and 42% from three-point range. He probably should've been an all-star this year, so hopefully, he gets that the spot he deserved.

Marc Gasol

As I said earlier, the Memphis Grizzlies have been having an awful season so far. And if it weren't for Tyreke Evans and Marc Gasol, it would probably be a lot worse. I've already talked about Evans as a potential all-star replacement, so now let's talk about Marc Gasol. Following the best season of his career, Gasol has been putting up some more terrific numbers as he tries to pull the Grizzlies out of the hole they find themselves in right now. For the season, Gasol is averaging 18 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 42% from the field and 34% from three-point range. Gasol barely missed out on his fourth all-star appearance, so maybe he ends up earning it after all with a spot open.

Nikola Jokic

As one of the best young big men in the league right now, it looked like Nikola Jokic was ready to take the next step and make his way into the 2018 NBA All-Star roster. Unfortunately, he didn't make the cut. However, with Cousins out with an injury, I think Jokic would be a nice fit for Team LeBron and the All-Star game. For the season, Jokic is averaging 16.2 points, a career-high 10.3 rebounds, a career-high 5.1 assists, and a career-high 1.2 steals per game while shooting 47% from the field, 34% from three-point range, and 85% from the free throw line. Does Jokic make his first all-star appearance this season? I think he should.

Blake Griffin

And finally, I have a player that I think should've made the All-Star game as a reserve right off the bat in Blake Griffin. While Griffin has missed a good amount of time with injuries, he has managed to put up fantastic stats when he's on the court and (in my opinion) is more than deserving of making the all-star game to replace DeMarcus Cousins. For the season, Griffin is averaging 22.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a career-high 5.4 assists per game while shooting 44% from the field and 33% from three-point range. Griffin's already a five-time all-star, and I think he deserves his sixth selection this season.

Thanks for reading!
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