According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA announced that Domantas Sabonis will make his second consecutive All-Star game. He will replace Kevin Durant who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Pacers star Domantas Sabonis is expected to replace Kevin Durant on the Eastern Conference All-Star team, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 26, 2021
Domantas Sabonis Makes His Second All-Star Game
Strong Start for Sabonis in 2021
Sabonis has gotten off to a strong start this season for the Indiana Pacers. The 24-year-old is averaging 21.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 52.9 percent from the field. The points and assists average are career-highs for him.
Sabonis is a well-rounded player. He can score the ball, rebound the ball well, and break down opposing defenses with his passing. This season, he has noticeably improved his outside shooting. Sabonis is shooting 34.9 percent from three on a career-high 2.8 attempts per game. His impact on the court is a big reason why the Pacers are fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Other Possible All-Star Replacements in the East
Before this announcement, Sabonis would have been the first player in NBA history to average 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and five-plus assists to not make an All-Star team. Many basketball fans felt that Sabonis was the biggest snub in the East when the list of All-Star reserves came out. With Durant sidelined until after the All-Star break, a roster spot opened up for him to take.
Bam Adebayo became the All-Star biggest snub in the East as a result of this announcement. He is averaging 19.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 57.1 percent from the field. The slow start that the Miami Heat had this season kept him from making his second straight All-Star game.
Trae Young is another notable All-Star snub in the East. He is averaging 27.2 points, four rebounds, and 9.5 assists per contest this season. With the All-Star game taking place in Atlanta this year, it is unfortunate for the hometown fans as they won’t see their fellow Atlanta Hawks player playing.
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