Houston Rockets James Harden Should Start in 2015 NBA All-Star Game Replacing Kobe Bryant

Unfortunately, Kobe Bryant is gone for the rest of this season (torn rotator cuff) after injuring his right shoulder in last Wednesday night's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The good news, Kobe underwent a successful surgery to repair his shoulder and will be shelved for the next nine months, according to Bleacherreport.com.

Kobe was voted in as a 2015 NBA All-Star by the fans in this year's contest as a starter, even though he did not deserve it. There is an open spot, and James Harden of the Houston Rockets should fill it. Harden's exploits this year has the bearded-one as the premier candidate in MVP consideration, not named Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors).

Harden is leading the Rockets (32-14, 5th in the Western Conference standings) in the ultra-competitive Western Conference all while doing it his way; he is averaging 27.6 points, 6.8 assists and 5.6 rebounds. With 27.6 a game, Harden is leading the league in scoring, which includes four-40+ point games, 17-30+ point games and 16-20+ point games. Add two steals per game, for someone known as a poor defender. Combined that with a play-maker from the two-guard spot, capable of making his teammates better, while cleaning the glass and having the offense run through him and I think that qualifies as an All-Star Starter. The beard doesn't hurt either.

Now, my picks for the 2015 NBA All-Star Western Conference Reserves

1. Klay Thompson SG, Golden State Warriors

Before this season began, I claimed that this was Klay Thompson's year to make the All-Star team. He was primed for take-off, returning from the FIBA tournament (averaged the second most points on the team-12.7, Harden-14.2) gaining a much needed experience among a team filled with stars. His confidence rose and so did his game. And as NBA fans, we are reaping the benefits every-time he touches the hardwood.

Last Friday, in a win against the Sacramento Kings (126-101), Thompson exploded for 37 points in the third quarter (alone) en route to a 52 point performance. Yes, that's a good way to already boost his 23.0 points per game average, in addition to 3.0 assists and 3.6 rebounds. The other half of the "Splash Brothers" (Stephen Curry & Thompson) is also a willing defender. That's why I'm excited about Thompson. He can score and lock-up his opponents, having the ability to guard 1 through 3 at 6' 7". Yup, 6' 7". It's the size combined with the overall game Thompson displays which in my mind, makes him the best SG in the league. The 7th ranked scorer in the association will be an All-Star. Book it.

2. Monta Ellis G, Dallas Mavericks

What else does the man have to do? Monta Ellis of the Dallas Mavericks has been deserving of an All-Star berth for a couple years now and this has to be his year. He's earned it. One of the few players in the league today via High School (Lanier High School), Ellis has been the human-human torch his entire career.

Outside of his rookie season, Ellis has averaged no less than 16.5 points per game. After his first seven seasons in Golden State (19.1 points per game), Ellis moved on to the Milwaukee Bucks and the results have not changed (2 years, 18.4 points per game average). And now in Dallas, Ellis is averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals.

In his first playoff experience with the Mavericks, Ellis contributed 20.4 points. It doesn't matter the climate, Ellis can score anywhere. Give him one of the guard spots in this years All-Star game, as a western conference reserve because he's earned it, entering his 10th NBA season. He's long overdue for this honor. Convert this yearly nominee into a winner.

*Monta Ellis has played more games (47) to Russell Westbrook's (32), and I will not be surprised if he is voted in, instead.

3. Damian Lillard G, Portland Trailblazers.

With only two-full years of NBA experience, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers has already made his mark in the NBA. How many more Adidas and Foot Locker commercials do you have to see to realize that Lillard's game is worth promoting through product? His resume at this point in his career has the trend of a player whose on the verge of accomplishing greatness. He's already an All-star, selected for the first time in his career during his sophomore season. He's a former rookie of the year (2012-13), All-NBA Rookie First-Team member and an All-NBA Third Team member (2014). If you love All-Star weekend, he's also a two-time NBA Skills Champion over the past two seasons.

Lillard is averaging a career best in all the categories that matter, in terms of points (21.8), assists (6.2), rebounds (4.6) and a field goal percentage 43%. He has led the Trailblazers to the 3rd seed in the west, if the season ended today at 32-14. In his All-Star season, last year, Lillard led the Blazers to the post-season and won his first career playoff series against the Rockets, 4-2. Lillard, who hit the game-winner to clinch the series against the Rockets, averaged 25.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.7 assists, in the series.

Although the Blazers lost to the eventual champions in the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semi-finals, Lillard gave you the feeling that this team would return the following year to make amends for their failures. So far, so good. Lillard is living proof of how much better the league would be today, if the game's best prospects elected to stay in school through their four years of eligibility.

4. Lamarcus Aldridge F, Portland Trailblazers

Lillard's partner in Oregon gets the nod here. Aldridge is one of the best stretch-4's in the league today and his numbers warrant that honor. At 6'11, Aldridge has found a game that works for him, operating, primarily away from the basket with a developed jump-shot that seems almost automatic at times. This year, Aldridge is blessing the Blazers with a double-double, 23.6 points and 10.2 rebounds a game. I think it's working for him. And when Aldridge finds his rhythm offensively, there is no stopping the former longhorn. In last year's first round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, Aldridge posted a double-double in 29.8 points and 11.2 rebounds, against arguably one of, if not the best defensive center in the NBA, Dwight Howard. He carved Howard on the boards and had his way offensively for the duration of the series. Aldridge is a load to deal with, and there's no reason why he shouldn't be a 4-time All-star by tonight.

5. DeMarcus Cousins C, Sacramento Kings

Like Nikola Vucevic, DeMarcus Cousins is a great player on a struggling team. The Kings are 16-28 through 1/29/15, occupying the 12 seed in the Western Conference standings. They probably won't make the playoffs with teams such as New Orleans and Oklahoma City slotted above them, but it hasn't stopped Cousins from "boogieing" down low. Despite the inconsistent progression of the Kings this season, Cousins has been the lone bright spot, averaging a double-double in 23.8 points and 12.3 rebounds. At 6'11, weighing 270 pounds-combined with a variety of post-moves and the ability to knock down shots, Cousins is well on his way to becoming offensively unstoppable on the post. Maybe he's already there. Cousins has tied Aldridge in 30+-point games (6-each) and has recorded 17, 20+-point games this season, all while missing 12 games (10 due to viral meningitis). With a 2014 FIBA gold-medal already attached to his resume at the age of 24, its time for Cousins to add more hardware. It starts this year at MSG.

6. Tyson Chandler C, Dallas Mavericks

You can easily swap Tyson Chandler for his teammate Dirk Nowitzki in filling one of the last two front-court slots on the Western Conference All-Stars reserves bench. But you can go either way. That's how much Chandler means to this team. One of the integral pieces to the Dallas Mavericks 2011 championship season, Chandlers return to the Mavs has them believing they are primed for another championship run. Acquiring Rajon Rondo in the middle of the season obviously helps the cause. Chandler provides the intangibles that Dallas can rely on in their front-court that starts with defense. There's only so much Dirk can do and the Mavs need him to carry them offensively. That's where Chandler comes in. Chandler isn't blowing away the opposition statistically, but 12.0 rebounds a game helps. Anything you can get offensively from Chandler is a plus, averaging 10.5 points per game this season. Add one or two blocks a game and having something no-one can teach: 7'0. The Mavs are 30-17 so far this season, occupying the 7th seed but with the acquisition of Rondo and the re-acquisition of Chandler, it doesn't matter where they are positioned on the WesternConference standings. The Mavericks first round opponent will have their hands full.

Kobe Bryant's Injury Opens Up 2015 NBA All-Star Starting Spot 

As you all know, the 2015 NBA All-Star Starters were announced last Thursday night and there were no surprises on either side. Those who deserved to be recognized as starters earned it. This year's contest features newcomers, familiar names, and old faces in new places.

For the Eastern Conference, John Wall (2nd selection), Kyle Lowry (1st time selection), Carmelo Anthony (8th selection), Lebron James (11th selection) and Pau Gasol (5th selection) will serve as the first five on the floor at Madison Square Garden.

On the other side, Stephen Curry (2nd selection), Kobe Bryant (17th selection), Anthony Davis (2nd selection), Blake Griffin (5th selection) and Marc Gasol (2nd selection) will represent the West.

Due to Bryant's season ending injury (torn right-rotator cuff), which will require surgery and a lengthy recovery period, there will be an open spot and an extra opportunity for another deserving player to be honored. That's what this post is about.

We have been informed of who our starters will be, but who will relieve them from the bench? Who will occupy the other seven slots? Each year, this topic compels arguments and ruins friendships and here's my seven:

Eastern Conference Reserves

1. Jimmy Butler G-F, Chicago Bulls

This is a no-brainer. There aren't many two-way two-guards in the league today and Butler has developed into that kind of player. Taking on the toughest defensive assignment on a nightly basis and now having the ability and energy to contribute 20 points a game as well. Add 3 assists, 6 rebounds and almost 2 steals a game and you will have Butler's 2015 season statistics at this juncture in time.

Butler is easily the most improved player in the league, worthy of that honor at season's end because of the vast improvement he has made to his offense. Butler has increased his points per game average every year and is enjoying his greatest leap this season, from 13.6 last year to 20.1 this year, a seven point growth. He's shooting the second best shooting percentage of his career in 45% (shot 46% his sophomore season) and is shooting a career best 49% in 2-pt field-goals.

Aside from being a strong defender and a Swiss-army knife (ability to fill the stat sheet) which Butler established early in his career, what has impressed me the most in Butler's ascension, as an overall player, is his ability to create off the dribble. Butler used to be a slasher and an open-court, transition player. Now he can create for himself and his teammates without having to score via cuts to the baskets and offensive rebounds. Butler is capable of producing 25-5-5 on a nightly basis, giving Rose the perfect complement for a team with championship aspirations.

2. Jeff Teague G, Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks have the best record in the Eastern Conference (37-8) and are challenging the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the NBA (36-7). Jeff Teague is a big reason why. The Hawks were always a team expected to make a brief appearance in the playoffs, but due to Teague's emergence as one of the better point guards in the league in addition to a solid supporting cast, the Hawks plan to soar even further. Teague is averaging career highs in points (17.1), rebounds (2.7), assists (7.5) and steals (1.8). With a supporting cast that includes Paul Millsap, Al Horford, DeMarre Carroll and Kyle Korver, the Hawks go as far as Teague can take them and this year, there is no cap on what the southern team can accomplish in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Oh, and another thing, it always seems like Teague is in every play. Active.

3. Kyrie Irving G, Cleveland Cavaliers

Even with the additions of Lebron James and Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving is still a must-see talent. Having the opportunity to play with an All-time great and another volume scorer has been an adjustment for Irving with the difficulty of being a floor-general playing alongside a 6'8" point guard as well. He likes to have the ball in his hands and for the first time in his career, he has to learn how to play off the ball and make good decisions when he has possession of it. Irving is now in a winning situation and his game will be highly criticized if the Cavaliers fail to live up to their escalated expectations, with their off-season acquisitions. Recently, the early struggles the Cavs experienced not too long ago are paying off. The Cavs are in the midst of a 7-game winning streak, which includes wins over the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder. In the Cavs 7th straight win over the Detroit Pistons (103-95), James and Irving combined for 70 points, with Irving scoring the greater point total of the two (Irving 38, James 32). The 2014 NBA All-Star game MVP and FIBA World Cup MVP is essential to the Cavs success, now and in the immediate future. Irving is averaging 21.3 pts, 3.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.6 steals a game this season.

4. Paul Millsap F, Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks deserve to have the most amount of players on this year's East squad and Paul Millsap is a deserving player. After spending the bulk of his career in Utah, Millsap has switched conferences and is the focal point of a team that allows all of his talents to shine. One of the better stretch-4's in the league, Millsap can hurt you inside and outside. Millsap is averaging 17.0 pts and 7.9 rebounds, in addition to a career high-3.2 assists and 1.8 steals. What's great about Millsap is the fact that he is consistent. Through the first three months of the season, Millsap has averaged 17.0 pts in November, 16.8 in December and 17.5 in January. Consistent. For the Hawks to be as good as they are this season, consistency is key and Millsap has defined that this season with his play. At 29 years of age, Millsap still has time to grow and expand his game even more.

5. Al Horford C, Atlanta Hawks

The more Hawks the better. Another significant piece to the Hawks cause is Al Horford. After an injury plagued 2013-14 NBA season (right pectoral muscle tear), Horford is back and on the verge of reminding everyone why he was a 2-time All-Star coming into this season. Horford is averaging 15.2 pts, 6.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists, shooting 54% from the field (9th best in the NBA). In a win against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 13, (105-87) Horford recorded his first career triple double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Along with Millsap, Horford completes one of the best front-courts in the Eastern Conference.

6. Nikola Vucevic C, Orlando Magic

I really have a problem rewarding good players on bad teams. From my perspective winners deserve to be All-stars. The best teams who boast players playing at an elite level deserve the honor. I can no longer ignore the players playing at an elite level on bad teams or teams struggling because sometimes, the ball just doesn't bounce your way. I cannot fault a player among a team that gives a 100% effort on a nightly basis just because of a poor record. This selection is a testament to my modified thoughts in what makes an All-Star. It's not Nikola Vucevic's fault that the Orlando Magic are 15-33. It's players like Nikola and the other talented youngsters on the Magic that draw your attention to a team that's a couple of years away from making an impact in the Southeast Division. The 3-year man out of USC is enjoying a career best, averaging career highs in points (19.5), rebounds (11.2) and assists (2.0) assists. This is the kind of traditional back-to-the-basket center that would make Shaquille O'Neal proud and when I watch his highlights, I see shades of the Gasol Brothers (Especially Pau). At 24 years young, Nikola has better post moves than Houston Rockets Dwight Howard, great touch and the ability to shoot from outside 10-15 feet. I can no longer dismiss the skills of this kid. He is too talented.

7. Chris Bosh F, Miami Heat

Consistent, reliable, honorable. Chris Bosh should be respected for his presence on the hardwood. He starred in Toronto in his initial years in the NBA. He changed environments for an opportunity to win in Miami, going 2-4 in championships. Bosh sacrificed his game for the benefit of a team with aspirations bigger than filling stats with two future Hall-of-Famers, and through it all, Bosh has survived. Through his first seven years in the league as a Raptor, Bosh averaged 20.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. During the big three era in Miami (Lebron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh), Bosh averaged 17.3 points and 7.4 rebounds. In his first full season without James, now the big two and two championship rings to show for it, Bosh is averaging 21.3 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. His game has never wavered. He still has it. With an increased role and more touches, Bosh is reminding the basketball world what he is capable of. He has earned his 10th NBA All-Star selection.

Duke University's Men's Head Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski has always represented what was great about the game of basketball throughout his established coaching career, and the events of yesterday afternoon, continued that notion.

In Sunday's come-from-behind win against St. Johns University at Madison Square Garden, 77-68, the 5th ranked Duke Blue Devils helped Coach K become Coach 1K, as Krzyzewski captured his 1,000th career win.

Yes, 1000, a grand, four figures.

This milestone victory did not come as easy as expected for the Blue Devils matched up against a revamped Red Storm group looking to return to the dance of the NCAA Tournament, for the first time since the 2011 season.

Senior guard, Sir'Dominic Pointer, who led the Johnnies with a game high 21 points, almost played spoiler accompanied by Sophomore guard Rysheed Jordan, chipping in 18 of his own.

The Johnnies started the second half strong, building a double-digit lead within the first 10 minutes.

Coach K had his work cut out for him yesterday afternoon and with the world watching in the mecca of basketball, he delivered.

The Blue Devils trailed the Johnnies 57-47 with 11:58 remaining in the second half, on a pair of free-throws from Jordan, which signaled a turn of events that would change the outcome of this game for the away team.

Led by a freshmen tandem of Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones, with contributions from senior guard Quinn Cook, Duke would embark on a 13-5 run, in which they cut the deficit, tied and converted the go-ahead basket, positioning themselves to make history, leading 63-62 with 5:42 left in the half.

Over the final stretch, Jones provided eight significant points to his team leading 22 points, including a three-pointer which served as the dagger, improving the Devils lead to 72-65 with 1:17 minutes to go till the end of regulation.

Okafor, who finished with a double-double in 17-10, expressed his satisfaction following the game in what it meant to achieve this feat for his Head Coach.

"It was great to get the 1,000th win in the same place Krzyzewski got 903," said Okafor according to The Sports Network provided by Fox News.

"That was something I watched on TV, so it's sort of surreal to think I am here right now."

Coach K becomes the fourth NCAA Head Basketball Coach to reach 1000 victories, joining a group that features former Women's Head Basketball Coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, Pat Summitt, who has amassed the most victories in NCAA history with (1,098).

Pat Summitt, former Tennessee University Women's Basketball Head Coach, and the winningest college basketball coach of all time, giving an acceptance speech after receiving an ICON Award from the U.S. Tennis Association

Harry Statham of McKendree University (1,085) and Danny Miles of Oregon Institute of Technology (1,016) complete the prestigious group that prelude's Duke's head coach.

The season isn't over, but now Coach K can relax and focus on taking his talented bunch to greater heights.

"I'm glad it's over," said Coach K during his post-game press-conference.

He is too classy to praise himself and instead, paid tribute to the individuals responsible for his most recent achievement.

"Everybody who played for me is a part of this," Mike told ESPN.

"When a coach achieves a record, he brings all the players that have played for him and all of the assistants that have worked for him, so for all my players and assistants, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You."

If anyone was capable of reaching 1,000 wins, it would be Coach K.

He is the premier coach in the NCAA with his basketball adversaries aiming to replicate his consistency.

In those 1,000 wins, lie four National Championships (1991, 1992, 2001, and 2010), 11 NCAA Regional Championships and 13 ACC Tournament Championships.

And in winning at the highest level in collegiate competition, also represents a long list of great players who have learned under Mike.

Grant Hill, Elton Brand, Bobby Hurley, Jay Williams and Jay Bilas of the past come to mind.

Today, it's Kyrie Irving and Jabari Parker.

Tomorrow, it will be Okafor and Jones.

The most gifted basketball prospects do not commit to Duke to just play Division 1 basketball.

It's to learn under Coach K.

Who would've thought a career, which began at Indiana as an assistant (1974-75), then Army (1975-80) and now at Duke (1980-present) for the past 35 years would end up producing, arguably the greatest college basketball coach in its history.

The keyword mentioned above is greatest, and in achieving greatness, some of the world's greatest in regards to basketball were in attendance yesterday afternoon.

Phil Jackson, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Mullin and Lou Carnesecca headline the stars as witnesses.

And the rest of the basketball world paid tribute by social media and video, which included other respected coaches in the NCAA like Rick Pitino (Louisville) and Bill Self (Kansas).

As for Coach 1K's record, Jim Boeheim (962) is in pursuit and also commented on the triumph of his close friend and colleague.

"I don't know how you win 1,000 games. I know when I started out and got to 100, I was happy to get there," said Boeheim according to USA TODAY.com.

"He's going to coach for a long time. I have no expectations of ever catching him."

For now, Coach 1K's record is safe and at the age of 67, there are more wins to come.

Word Surfaced Prokhorov Shopping For New Ownership for Nets

The Brooklyn Nets contributed to another loss for the eighth time in nine games when they fell short to the Washington Wizards, 99-90 at the Barclays Center Saturday night.

Paul Pierce, who played with the Nets for one year after the Brooklyn franchise failed to sign him for the 2014-2015 season, recieved a mixed welcoming from fans when he was announced in the starting lineup with the Wizards.

The Nets visited Washington last night and cut their seven-game losing streak with their 102-80 win over the Wizards. However, it was a different story when the Nets played host.

Lopez helped his team keep the game close with a half-time score of 51-50. Neither team led the entire game by five and then Brooklyn made it even at 81 early in the fourth quarter, But the Wizards' dominance, including a three point play by Nenê contributed to a loss of momentum.

Jarrett Jack was Brooklyn's leader finishing with 22 points and 8 points. Joe Johnson finished with 15 points.

"Tonight, obviously, they [were] more desperate, knowing that we went into Washington last night and got a win," Johnson said after the game. "So we knew we were going to get their best shot today, but I thought we played great. I just think down the stretch we couldn't get stops and we couldn't make shots to get us over the hump."

It seems as though the loss to Washington is the least of Brooklyn's worries. In a team where consistency, unity and rhythm still haunt them, the team now faces ownership turning its back on them. Word spread earlier this week that owner Mikhail Prokhorov is looking to sell the team.

Three years ago when the Nets moved from New Jersey to the Big Apple, Prokhorov made a plan to win a NBA title within five years. Since then, the team has struggled with four different coaches—Avery Johnson, P.J. Carlesimo, Jason Kidd and current coach Lionel Hollins. Not to mention, Johnson was fired in the middle of the season and Carlesimo, who took over was not renewed for the 2012-2013 season.

Add to ownership and coaching disruptions, rumors have also spread that Brooklyn is looking to shop its star-injury plagued players Deron Williams and Brook Lopez around.

Only time will tell when it comes to the Nets.