Aldridge Will Start in Place of Davis in Sunday’s All-Star Game
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Steve Dykes/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — In a surprise move, the head coach of the Western Conference All-Stars, Steve Kerr, named Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge a starter for Sunday’s All-Star Game instead of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Kevin Durant.
Kerr originally said Durant would start in place of the injured Anthony Davis but changed his mind on Saturday.
Durant wasn’t going to play much anyways because of nagging injuries. The reigning MVP has missed 27 games this season due to injury. In the 26 games he has played, Durant is averaging 25.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and four assists per game.
Earlier this season, Aldridge tore a ligament in his thumb and was supposed to have surgery, but instead he missed only two games before deciding to put off the operation and play out the rest of the season.
Aldridge has played in 47 games this season, averaging 23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
The All-Star Game will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.
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