New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis told me Tuesday that he hoped to still be an All-Star this year, despite the fact that the coaches did not vote him as a reserve.

"I could still replace Kobe," he told me. "It would be great to represent the Pelicans when New Orleans is hosting the All-Star game."

Now, he can. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced that Davis will replace an injured Kobe Bryant on the Western Conference All-Star roster.

Justice has been served, as Davis' numbers completely justify the selection.

Davis leads the league in blocks at 3.3 a game. He's also averaging a double-double of 20.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, one of only 4 players in the league to do so. Add in an average of 1.5 steals and 1.4 assists a game, and he's stuffing the stat sheet every night. In fact, Davis is the only player in NBA history to average more than 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and less than 2 turnovers a game.

Based on his numbers, including an impressive player efficiency rating of 26.7 is 5th best in the league, it's hard to argue that another player is more deserving. Goran Dragic of the Suns, Mike Conley of the Grizzlies, and DeMarcus Cousins of the Kings were 3 players who are All-Star worthy, but not more than Davis. His numbers, coupled with the fact that the game is in New Orleans, made him the easy choice.

At 20 years old, Davis is only the 8th player in league history to make an All-Star roster before the age of 21. He joins an elite list of players. Magic Johnson was the first to do it, followed by Isiah Thomas, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kyrie Irving last year.

The 63rd NBA All-Star Game will be played in New Orleans at Smoothie King Center on Sunday, February 16th. Tip-off is set for 7:00, with the game being televised on TNT.

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