NBA All-Star Game 2022 injury replacements: Top candidates to replace Nets' Kevin Durant, Warriors' Draymond Green

Yash Matange

•
NBA All-Star Game 2022 injury replacements: Top candidates to replace Nets' Kevin Durant, Warriors' Draymond Green image

With the announcement of the reserves, the final full pool of All-Stars is set for the 2022 edition of the Game in Cleveland on Feb. 20. 

As of Feb. 3, both Nets' Kevin Durant (MCL) and Warriors' Draymond Green (back) are unlikely to be available for the 2022 All-Star Game due to injuries.

NBA LEAGUE PASS: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)

So it would be safe to expect an announcement from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver soon, naming the injury replacements to the All-Star Game for these former teammates. 

Even since the All-Star Game's new format, involving captains and drafts, the replacements have been named from the same Conference as the injured player.

That said, here are the top candidates to replace Durant and Green:

Who are the top candidates to replace Nets' Kevin Durant?

The 2022 All-Star Game is Kevin Durant's 12 All-Star selection in 14 seasons. With him being captain, it will come down to the coach of his team to select a reserve to replace him in the starting line-up. 

LaMelo Ball

Ball's averages - 19.9 points, 7.7 assists and 7.2 rebounds - don't scream off the stat sheet but the second-year guard's impact on Charlotte and how he has changed the fortunes of the franchise over the past couple of years does help his case as well. 

As of Feb. 3, the Hornets are 28-24 in the seventh seed and only need to make up a deficit of 1.5 games to miss the Play-In Tournament.

Jarrett Allen

As the All-Star reserves were announced, the Cavaliers are among the East's elite pack of six teams with a record of 31-21 and along with All-Star Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen has been a huge reason for the team's play this season especially on the defensive end of the floor. 

Through 44 games, he averages 16.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 blocks on 67.8 percent field goal shooting. 

Jaylen Brown

Ball and Allen are probably the frontrunners to replace KD. The third candidate came down to a pick between Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday. The Bucks might not be as good to get three All-Stars, in addition, Brown might be better individually. 

In 39 games played, the Celtics forward is averaging 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists.  

Who are the top candidates to replace Warriors' Draymond Green?

The 2022 selection as a reserve is Green's fourth All-Star Game is a span of seven years since 2015. Here are his possible replacements from the West:

Anthony Davis

It would be fair to say Anthony Davis was subpar through the first part of the season, at least in terms of his assertiveness on the court. That could be as a result of the Lakers still finding their chemistry and rhythm with the offseason addition of Russell Westbrook. 

However, statistically, AD is more than deserving of his ninth career All-Star selection with averages of 23.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 blocks on 52.5 percent shooting from the field. 

Brandon Ingram

It's gone under the radar because the Pelicans have a 19-32 record but Brandon Ingram has been playing some great basketball for the New Orleans squad. 

Along with his 22.5 points, he's averaging a career-high 6.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

Winning matters, just take a look at the reserves list in the West as multiple teams - Jazz, Suns - have multiple All-Stars. 

Dejounte Murray

The winning conversation is valid with Dejounte Murray as well with the Spurs holding a 19-34 reocrd but the 6-foot-4 point guard is certainly have a career season. 

Yash Matange

Yash Matange Photo