Devin Booker Replaces Damian Lillard

During a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trailblazers on Wednesday night, Damian Lillard, unfortunately, suffered a groin injury late in the game. Lillard confirmed that he would not be participating in the all-star weekend festivities, which includes the 2020 JBL Three-Point Contest and the all-star game itself.

Damian Lillard is a five time all-star (including this year), and over the course of his appearances, he averages 14.8 points per game, 2.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds. During a post game interview, Lillard stated himself that he wanted Devin Booker to replace him:

hopefully somebody who should have been there who didn’t make it (will go). Unfortunately, I had to be the fall guy, but hopefully Devin Booker or somebody like that will get the spot

This obviously started a huge discussion in the NBA community. Everyone, of course, was wishing Dame well, but also rooting on Devin Booker, and hoping for him to be selected, since it was a huge surprise to everyone that he was not selected in the first place. Booker responded in an interviewed after the Suns victory against the Warriors last night and was asked if he would accept the invite to the all-star game if he was chosen to replace Lillard. Booker stated “Probably… Right now I want to reach out to Dame and make sure he’s healthy.” Booker, having a career season of 26.7 points a game, 6.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds a game, as well as closely competing for a playoff spot in the West has arguably been the biggest all-star snub of all time, being snubbed two times prior to his replacement selection this year, but finally he was chosen by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, to replace Damian Lillard, which means he will participate in the all star and the Three-Point Contest. Booker will be alongside Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook as a reserve guard on Team LeBron during Sunday’s all star game.