With the injury bug hitting team West once again, Damian Lillard has been added to his 2nd career All-Star Game in place of Blake Griffin who is said to be sidelined for up to 6 weeks due to an upcoming surgery to remove a staph infection in his right elbow.
After being passed up in the first two chances of representing the Western Conference in this month's All-Star Game; first when Steve Kerr and his staff failed to select him in as a reserve, and then again when NBA commissioner Adam Silver decided that DeMarcus Cousins was more worthy as Kobe Bryant's replacement - Dame was not impressed.
The Portland Trail Blazers point guard made headlines after he professed his disdain over the perceived snubbing and vowed to make teams pay throughout the remainder of the season.
He even went as far as refusing to take part in any of the All-Star Games festivities.
As fun as it might have been to watch the dynamic point guard take out his frustration on opposing teams, it is gratifying to see a player as deserving as Lillard earn a nod, especially with the type of season he's having.
The 3rd year guard is putting up career numbers in points (21.6), rebounds (4.6), steals (1.5) and 2PT% (.494). Not to mention, Dame has been one of the top 4th quarter scorers in the NBA this season which has continued his reputation as one of the game's most clutch players.
If that doesn't deserve to be recognized as All-Star caliber, I don't know what does.
Thankfully, Adam Silver wasn't going to let another opportunity to select Dame go to waste, even though the sound bites aren't quite as entertaining as they were last week...
"I feel bad for Blake, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to be there."
Just doesn't have the same ring to it, eh?
Oh well. Maybe Kerr will limit Dame's minutes and the "Revenge Tour" can resume.
