Chicago native Anthony Davis wasn’t initially chosen to be an All-Star when the starters and reserves for the 2014 game were named. But due to an injury to Kobe Bryant, the NBA’s new commissioner, Adam Silver, named the Pelicans star as a replacement and he’s excited for the opportunity to play in his home stadium in the world’s greatest pickup game on Feb. 15.
"It's a great opportunity for me. I'm excited to play in the game," Davis said recently. "When coach [Monty Williams] said it. I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. I'm glad they chose me. I'll try to go out and represent New Orleans and the Pelicans."
"I can't tell you how happy I was to be able to tell him the news after having to tell him the first time that he didn't make it. It was a cool moment," said the Pelicans head coach. "I can't express that enough, how happy I am for him."
Davis admitted to being disappointed that he didn’t make the team at first, but decided to remain positive about his chances down the road.
"I was down, but I moved on," he said. "I understand that I have a lot more opportunities to try to get in the game."
But Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Rick Adelman said Davis is more than just a replacement player, he’s very deserving of the spot on the Western Conference All-Stars.
"He certainly deserves it. He's the leading shot-blocker in the league," Adelman said. "I had a feeling he'd be the one they would chose and rightfully so, getting a representative from New Orleans in the game. He's certainly worth it."
