Breaking News: Anthony Davis to Miss NBA All-Star Game
Last season NBA All-Star news brought Pelicans fans joy. Anthony Davis, who was just in his second NBA season was announced as an injury replacement and would host the game in his team’s home town of New Orleans.
This season’s last-minute news is far more unfortunate.
Davis will be replaced in the Western Conference starting line-up by Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitski.
Oct 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) dunks against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Davis suffered a hard fall against the Chicago Bulls this Saturday which led to an immediate shoulder sprain. The young star has suffered far too many injuries in his first three seasons.
Though they are unrelated, watching your team’s superstar sit on the sidelines while the Indiana Pacers lead by 30 is hard to do when you know all he wants to do is get out there and help his team win.
Davis is a competitor — and any time he misses, hurts him the most.
This is his official statement:
"“After careful thought and consideration, I’ve decided I will not be participating in this year’s NBA All-Star competitions. I want to thank the fans for voting me into the All-Star game and I am sorry I will not be able to play. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be able to compete this weekend, I’m still very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the All-Star events in New York and celebrate our game with some of the NBA’s greatest figures. More than anything, I am anxious to get healthy and back on the court with my teammates after the All-Star break.”"
Davis is mature enough to understand that winning games and potentially securing a playoff spot is more important than personal exposure.
He came in third place for All-Star voting with exactly 1,369,911 votes only trailing Stephen Curry and LeBron James, which showed he has cemented his place as one of the primer faces of the NBA.
After their embarrassing loss the Pacers tonight the Pelicans are in the 10th seed in the west, making them 27-26 with 28 games to go.
The 8th seed in the Western Conference will likely need to win around 50 games; so for the Pelicans to secure it they will need to go at least 23-5 after the All-Star break.
More from New Orleans Pelicans
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide vs. Sacramento Kings
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide in Los Angeles Lakers rematch
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide vs. Houston Rockets, round three
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide vs. Indiana Pacers
- New Orleans Pelicans: Betting guide for Christmas Day
The news hurts for Pelicans fans who were excited to see Anthony Davis’ first All-Star game start, but they can take solace in knowing both Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis are set to return after the break; and potentially could make at run at that 8th seed position.
The Pelicans’ 6 best players have played only 12 games together this entire season; and having them all healthy very well could lead to a playoff berth.
Davis took the mature route and secured his health. Though Pelicans fans won’t see him this weekend, we can expect a rejuvenated and motivated Davis to take charge for the rest this NBA season.
We aren’t done yet……
Feb 11, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis is seen silhouetted during introductions before a game against the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pacers defeated the Pelicans 106-93.Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Next: NBA Trade Deadline 2015: Will the Pelicans Make a Move?