Damian Lillard Named To All-Star Team As Injury Replacement

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard will join the Western Conference All-Star team as a replacement for injured Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, the NBA announced today.

Griffin, who will be sidelined for 2-6 weeks with a staph infection in his right elbow, was voted in by fans as a starter.

NBA League Commissioner Adam Silver wasted no time this morning announcing Lillard as his replacement.

Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears caught up with Lillard this morning following the announcement:

"I am thankful," Lillard told Yahoo Sports. "I feel bad for Blake, but I'm thankful for the opportunity to be there."

Lillard, who has averages of 21.6 points, 6.3 assists and 4.6 rebounds this season, was left off the All-Star reserves by Western Conference coaches last month.

Golden State Warriors and Western Conference All-Star coach Steve Kerr will also be tasked with choosing an All-Star reserve to start in place of the injured Griffin in the frontcourt. Lillard's teammate, power forward LaMarcus Aldridge, along with Spurs big man Tim Duncan, Thunder forward Kevin Durant and Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, could be in line for the start next Sunday in the All-Star game.

-- Chris Lucia | blazersedgepodcast@gmail.com | Twitter