Days before the All-Star break, the Philadelphia 76ers announced that James Harden will be sidelined due to a hamstring strain. Recently acquired, fans remain excited over Harden and Joel Embiid teaming up. However, what seems to have caught fans’ attention is Harden’s replacement for the All-Star game.
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According to various reports, Cleveland Cavaliers center, Jarrett Allen, will replace Harden.
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen has replaced James Harden in the NBA All-Star Game.
Fans seemed to have interesting reactions, most happy to see Allen play in Harden’s stead.
NBA fans react to the James Harden All-Star game replacement
Following Allen’s selection, the NBA All-Star game will now have two Cleveland Cavaliers players on the court. The other is Darius Garland, who will be playing with his teammate on Team LeBron James.
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What fans really noticed, however, was that this means more Cavaliers are in the All-Star game than the Los Angeles Lakers. With Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook out, the Lakers only have LeBron James representing them at the game as the captain. As injuries have only added to the Lakers’ pile of trouble this season, fans have agreed that James is probably the only deserving icon from the team.
Cavs got more All Stars than the Lakers!
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen has replaced James Harden in the NBA All-Star Game.
Jarrett Allen is better than siakim so idk why you’re complaining lmfao
LeBron now has Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen on his team. 👀 Also wild that the Cavs have an average age of about 19… and the Lakers have like 19 Hall of Famers… but Cleveland is BALLIN and the Lakers just keep FALLIN 👀👀👀
We’re tied with the Cavs in the standings, it’s in Cleveland, I think it’s cool they got a 2nd guy
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen has replaced James Harden in the NBA All-Star Game.
Jrue Holiday snubbed again?
Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen has replaced James Harden in the NBA All-Star Game.
Siakam is NOT an all star over big Jay
Most fans did remain excited about Cleveland getting another player, especially since the game is scheduled to take place in Cleveland. Interestingly, Toronto Raptors star, Pascal Siakam, and Milwaukee Bucks guard, Jrue Holiday were the other two names included in reactions. As per certain fans, Siakam or Holiday were snubbed and deserved to play instead of Allen.
Of course, some loyal fans stuck with Allen. They defended the NBA’s decision and argued that he was indeed a better choice than anyone else. Some are even excited over an Embiid-Allen matchup. Additionally, some wondered if Harden not being there will make the game less interesting.
With his recent trade to the 76ers, everyone is eager to see the 32-year-old donn the court.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 1, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden (13) gestures after making a three point basket against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s a look at the complete and updated All-Star roster.
Team LeBron James
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Stephen Curry
- DeMar DeRozan
- LeBron James
- Nikola Jokic
- Jarrett Allen
- Jimmy Butler
- Luka Doncic
- Darius Garland
- Donovan Mitchell
- Chris Paul
- Fred VanVleet
Team Kevin Durant
- Joel Embiid
- Ja Morant
- Jayson Tatum
- Andrew Wiggins
- Trae Young
- LaMelo Ball*
- Devin Booker
- Rudy Gobert
- Zach LaVine
- Khris Middleton
- Dejounte Murray*
- Karl-Anthony Towns
NOTE: * Ball and Murray have replaced Durant and Draymond Green, respectively.
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Do you agree with Harden’s replacement choice? Let us know in the comments below.