The starters and reserves were announced for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game and several players were snubbed.
Two players (Joel Embiid and Julius Randle) in the Eastern Conference, however, are currently injured and are likely not expected back in time for the festivities in Indianapolis on Feb. 18.
Randle is out with a dislocated shoulder while Embiid was diagnosed with a devastating meniscus injury following a controversial return to play after he was a late scratch from a game against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.
While it is unclear how long Embiid will remain sidelined, in all likelihood, both players will require replacements in Indiana. Considering that Embiid and Randle are big men, at least one replacement will likely come from the frontcourt.
Here are some of the top candidates that NBA commissioner Adam Silver could consider when he makes his decision:
The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
1
Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks)
FAN RANK: 4
PLAYER RANK: 5
MEDIA RANK: 3
2
Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat)
FAN RANK: 4
PLAYER RANK: 8
MEDIA RANK: 8
3
Kristaps Porzingis (Boston Celtics)
FAN RANK: 7
PLAYER RANK: 9
MEDIA RANK: 5
4
Derrick White (Boston Celtics)
FAN RANK: 7
PLAYER RANK: 8
MEDIA RANK: 7
5
Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics)
FAN RANK: 8
PLAYER RANK: 8
MEDIA RANK: 7
6
Mikal Bridges
FAN RANK: 11
PLAYER RANK: 7
MEDIA RANK: 8
7
DeMar DeRozan
FAN RANK: 10
PLAYER RANK: 11
MEDIA RANK: 7
8
Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors)
FAN RANK: 10
PLAYER RANK: 11
MEDIA RANK: 8
9
Pascal Siakam
FAN RANK: 13
PLAYER RANK: 11
MEDIA RANK: 8
10
Jarrett Allen
FAN RANK: 18
PLAYER RANK: 10
MEDIA RANK: 8