Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson are the latest two all-stars to pull out of this weekend’s festivities, and the league has named Mavs guard Jason Kidd and Knicks center David Lee to take their places.
Bryant has missed the Lakers’ last four games due to an ankle injury. Iverson hasn’t played since January 31, and has been dealing with the illness of one of his children. But the reason given for Iverson’s absence is “personal,” which raises the suspicion that he’s once again contemplating retirement.
The selection of Kidd isn’t much of a surprise; the game will be played in Dallas, home of Kidd’s Mavericks. Lee is a little more surprising. He certainly has the numbers to merit selection, but his Knicks have played very poorly of late, and team performance is often a significant factor in determining who makes the all-star team.
Dwyane Wade, Iverson (voted in by the fans), Clippers center Chris Kaman (who replaced the injured Brandon Roy) and Chicago guard Derrick Rose are the only other all-stars from losing teams. Rose’s Bulls are just one game under .500 on the season.
Kidd, Lee Named All-Stars originally appeared on About.com Basketball on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 10:49:38.
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