After being named a 2018 NBA All-Star Game starter, DeMarcus Cousins was chosen by LeBron James (leading vote-getter) in the inaugural draft. Unfortunately, Cousins suffered a ruptured Achilles against the Houston Rockets and will miss the remainder of the 2017-18 NBA season.

As a result of the season-ending injury, commissioner Adam Silver has chosen Paul George to replace Cousins in Los Angeles according to NBA:

While there were numerous players deserving of the honor such as Chris Paul and Lou Williams, Silver chose George because he received the most votes from head coaches according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype:

For George, this will mark his fifth All-Star appearance. After spending seven seasons with the Indiana Pacers, the 27-year-old is averaging 20.9 points (41.7 percent from the three-point line), 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 steals in his first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As the Thunder cope with Andre Roberson's injury, they have won seven consecutive games and George has played a major role in their recent success. While playing in the All-Star Game in his hometown will certainly be special, George's focus is on helping Oklahoma City win a championship.

Although there is uncertainty about George's future with the Thunder, how far they go will likely determine if he re-signs. Alongside Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, George and the Thunder have shown they can beat the championship contenders. However, the challenge will be beating the teams they are supposed to beat.

As the fifth spot in the Western Conference, the Thunder are an intriguing team heading into All-Star weekend.