Domantas Sabonis was left out of the initial Eastern Conference All-Star selections, leaving many Indiana Pacers fans confused. Despite a stellar season for the big man, Sabonis was not selected for his second All-Star appearance in as many years.
While other big men were chosen over Sabonis, and I agree that those other players deserved a spot on the All-Star team this season, it is no secret that Domas is deserving as well. Fortunately for him, Kevin Durant will not be participating this season.
Domantas Sabonis to replace Kevin Durant in the All-Star Game.
Sabonis was arguably the biggest snub out of the Eastern Conference, though I would also like to put Trae Young in that category. Still, Sabonis will now reportedly join his peers in Atlanta for the All-Star Game in 2021 with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
Pacers star Domantas Sabonis is expected to replace Kevin Durant on the Eastern Conference All-Star team, source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 26, 2021
Kevin Durant will not play due to a hamstring injury after being named a starter and captain of the Eastern Conference initially. This will shift who is now a starter in the event, which most likely will not be Sabonis, but it definitely has a massive impact on the final rosters.
The Pacers, and Sabonis, will be thrilled with having an All-Star once again but also cannot let that distract them from a challenging schedule – and some recent struggles. But for now, let’s just enjoy the selection and appreciate how important Sabonis has been for Indiana this season.
Sabonis is the leader of this team and is the engine that keeps them going. When he is on, the Pacers typically perform at their best and the same goes for when he has poor nights.
If he can play at the level we all know he is capable of, the Pacers can be near the top of the Eastern Conference for the rest of the season and into the playoffs. That’s what we have to expect from the now-two-time All-Star.