NEW YORK — Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has been added to the All-Star team in place of Clippers forward Blake Griffin, who needs surgery for a staph infection in his right elbow.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver selected Lillard to the West roster Sunday.
Lillard is averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.49 steals this season. He is also averaging 6.3 assists.
It is the second All-Star nod for Lillard, who also played in the game last season, his second in the league. He joins teammate LaMarcus Aldridge on the roster.
West coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors will pick Griffin’s replacement in the starting lineup.
The All-Star Game is next Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
