:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45594514/usa-today-7219557.0.jpg)
The NBA announced this morning that they chose DeMarcus Cousins to replace the injured Kobe Bryant in the 2015 All-Star Game. Damian Lillard, an All-Star last season, was passed over by the fans, coaches and now NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Despite leading a 32-14 team in the deep Western Conference, Lillard was passed over for three players (Cousins, Russell Westbrook, and the oft-injured Kevin Durant) on teams ranked 10th and 12th in the conference.
Lillard responded via Instagram [note: now deleted]:
I just want to thank the coaches who feel I wasn't good enough, the fans that didn't think I was good enough , and Adam Silver also for not thinking I was good enough. This isn't unfamiliar territory for me , it's actually what my life has been inspired by. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed or that I don't feel disrespected but it's not too much to handle. Not the first or last guy to be snubbed. "You should have been there" isn't good enough for me. But anyway, The reason I'm in these shoes is because I've always use the hand I was dealt to my advantage... A wise man once told me... " it ain't always gone be peaches and cream but somebody has to pay for the reason it's not ... One way or another " ... #ImThankful #Real #NonAllStar #RipCity #YellowTape
Online Reaction:
DeMarcus Cousins selected as Kobe's replacement on All-Star roster, Lillard snub complete http://t.co/S7i1LsLQ8e pic.twitter.com/dnwxOvCv83
— CSNNW (@CSNNW) January 30, 2015
NBA Commissioner snubs Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, picks DeMarcus Cousins to play in All-Star Game http://t.co/RAUSckwLt3 #ripcity
— Trail Blazers News (@blazers_olive) January 30, 2015
Kevin Durant has put up All-Star numbers this season, but he's played 1,000 fewer minutes than Damian Lillard. pic.twitter.com/SpiSsU5AWu
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) January 30, 2015
RT @danecarbaugh: Let’s check in on Damian Lillard and hope he isn’t too angr— uh oh. pic.twitter.com/KBe61Mt8QI
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) January 30, 2015
Blazers didn't lose to the Knicks even when Aldridge sat out the game. Just sayin' …
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) January 30, 2015
WATCH: @Dame_Lillard says he's pissed off, feels disrespected about #AllStarSnub http://t.co/wk1ec7XiBB #RipCity pic.twitter.com/4PZpDhY5Ue
— CSNNW (@CSNNW) January 30, 2015
Not unfamiliar territory. I've always used these moments for inspiration. http://t.co/rGixiWJeUL
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) January 30, 2015