Jeremy Lin News: Injuries to Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul Give Lin Shot At Playing in NBA All-Star Game 2014
Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin could make it to his first ever All-Star game appearance, if injuries continue to prevent a couple of Western Conference elite guards from making it to the NBA's midseason classic.
Lin, whose popularity on social media catapulted him to fourth place behind Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry and Chris Paul in the latest ballot return for Western Conference All-Star backcourt starters, still has a solid chance of sealing a spot for this year's All-Star game.
With Bryant (fracture left knee) and Paul (separated shoulder) expected to spend more weeks in rehabilitation, the 25-year-old Lin could perhaps squeak into the Western Conference All-Star team for the first time in his career.
A Matter of Luck For Lin
"If the latest batch of voting results for the NBA All-Star Game is a tell-tale sign, and several players remain injured, Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin could make his first career appearance at the league's seminal event," International Business Times basketball writer Greg Price reported on Saturday.
Golden State Warriors hot shot Stephen Curry is expected to secure his first ever All-Star appearance and his latest vote tally indicates he will be the starting point guard for the Western Conference All-Star team. However, the status of Bryant and Paul could open an opportunity for Lin to get the nod of incoming NBA commissioner Adam Stern, who will announce the replacement for these injured All-Stars.
"Injury replacements are actually picked by the NBA commissioner, and it could be a huge early decision for the newly crowned Adam Silver," Price pointed out.
"Silver will take over for David Stern on Feb. 1, and could either support the nearly 500,000 fans that voted for Lin or face the wrath of supporters for Houston's James Harden or San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker. Portland Trail Blazers' rising star Damian Lillard could also be considered in just his second season, but he along with Harden and Parker will likely be picked by the coaches as reserves," Price added.
Lin, who averaged 13.7 points, 4.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game this season, doesn't possess a typical statistical line for an All-Star. However, several basketball writers believed his growing popularity around the world and his image as a good ambassador for basketball should be enough to get the All-Star selection.
NBA All-Star fan voting will end on Monday, while starters will be announced on Thursday. The 63rd annual All-Star game will take place at New Orleans Arena Sunday, Feb. 16.