D'Angelo Russell Not Selected For All-Star Game, Could Replace Injured Oladipo

Nets point guard D'Angelo Russell drives around Cleveland Cavaliers point guard George Hill on March 25, 2018, at the Barclays Center.
Photo credit USA TODAY Images
By WFAN.com

The 2019 NBA All-Star reserves have been announced, but one breakout star in Brooklyn didn’t make the cut, at least initially. 

D’Angelo Russell can feel a bit aggrieved to not be selected to the Eastern Conference All-Star team. The reserves in the East were announced on Thursday, but Russell was not among them despite his incredible season.

The Eastern Conference @NBAAllStar Reserve Pool!@RealDealBeal23 @blakegriffin23 @Klow7 @Khris22m @VicOladipo @BenSimmons25 @NikolaVucevic #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/LfwuSBvA1P

— NBA (@NBA) February 1, 2019

One of the players selected ahead of Russell was Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Pacers. Oladipo is out for the season after he ruptured his right quadricep tendon in a game against the Toronto Raptors on January 23.

Oladipo will be replaced on the roster, which could be Russell’s ticket onto the team. Russell and Philadelphia’s Jimmy Butler should be the favorites to take Oladipo’s spot.

MORE: On WFAN: D'Angelo Russell Says He's Enjoying The Ride As Nets Surge

Russell is a big reason why the Nets are much improved and have risen to sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 28-24. The 22-year-old is averaging 19.5 points per game and 6.4 assists per game so far this season. Brooklyn wasn't even supposed to make the playoffs, but they're looking like contenders. 

The Eastern Conference starters will be Kemba Walker, Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard and Joel Embiid. Stephen Curry, James Harden, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Paul George will start for the Western Conference.

The All-Star reserves are voted on by the head coaches in the players' respective conferences. The All-Star Game will be played in Charlotte on Feb. 17.