Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns Getty Images | Sean Gardner

KEY POINTS

  • Devin Booker was selected as an All-Star to replace the injured Anthony Davis
  • Booker will be making his second All-Star appearance in six seasons
  • Over the years, numerous players have been selected as replacement All-Stars

The selected reserves for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game were announced on Tuesday, and one of the biggest omissions in the eyes of fans, and even among players themselves, was Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker.

The high-scoring 24-year-old was left out from the Western Conference reserves pool, and immediately, people expressed their displeasure at Booker being snubbed.

Fortunately for Booker, he was selected as a replacement for the injured Anthony Davis, who is expected to miss the annual talent showcase.

Booker, who is averaging 24.7 points for the Suns this season, will be making his second All-Star appearance in six seasons with the league.

Read also: NBA News: Former MVP Among Four Biggest All-Star Starter Snubs

Booker is just the latest player to earn an All-Star nod at the last minute, coming in as a replacement for an All-Star who is unable to participate in the game for whatever reason.

Throughout NBA history, there have been a number of replacement All-Stars, and here are some of the most notable ones:

Honorable Mentions: Ray Allen (2008), Jason Kidd (2010), Chauncey Billups (2010), Kevin Love (2011), Pau Gasol (2016) and D’Angelo Russell (2019)

Carmelo Anthony (2007, 2017)

Carmelo Anthony Chris Paul
The New York Knicks have explored trading Carmelo Anthony to the Los Angeles Clippers. Pictured: Anthony guards Chris Paul during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Feb. 16, 2014. Reuters/Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony will go down in NBA history as one of the league’s most elite scorers, but he’s also a two-time replacement All-Star.

In 2010, Melo earned his first All-Star selection after being chosen as a replacement player for the injury-riddled Western Conference squad. He put up 20 points and nine rebounds to help the West beat the East, 153-132.

Damian Lillard (2015)

Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting the game winning shot against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Reuters/Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Damian Lillard has had his fair share of All-Star snubs. Since coming to the league in 2012, he has been one of the NBA’s best point guards and has consistently shown that every season.

In 2014, Lillard earned his first All-Star appearance, and in 2015, he was selected as a replacement for the injured Blake Griffin.

Lillard scored 11 points to help the West take down the East, 163-158.

Anthony Davis (2014)

Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis has no qualms about joining the Boston Celtics in the summer. In this picture, Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and Team LeBron reacts against Team Giannis in the first quarter during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, Feb. 17, 2019. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

With his most recent selection, Davis is already an eight-time NBA All-Star. His first selection came back in 2014 when he was just a sophomore in the league.

Davis made the All-Star team for the first time after being chosen as a replacement for the injured Kobe Bryant. He went on to score 10 points in 9 minutes of action in the West’s 163-155 loss to the East.

Gilbert Arenas (2006)

Gilbert Arenas could be on his way to Los Angeles.
Gilbert Arenas could be on his way to Los Angeles. REUTERS

During his peak, Gilbert Arenas was one of the most exciting players in the NBA. The offensive savant helped revitalize a Washington Wizards team and helped them to a number of playoff appearances.

Arenas’ play also earned him All-Star selections in three consecutive seasons. In 2006, he was chosen as a replacement for the injured Jermaine O’Neal.

Arenas scored just one point in 9 minutes of action as the East topped the West, 122-120

Paul George (2018)

Paul George
Despite reports of an OKC stay, all signs seem to point to Paul George playing for another team next season. In this picture, George attends the 67th NBA All-Star Game: Team LeBron Vs. Team Stephen at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Feb. 18, 2018. Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

Paul George is a perennial All-Star, and if not for that one season that he missed due to a gruesome leg injury, he would likely be named to the team for seven straight seasons.

In 2018, "PG" earned his fifth All-Star nod, replacing the injured DeMarcus Cousins.

George scored 16 points to go along with five rebounds and four assists to help Team LeBron beat Team Giannis, 148-145.

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