by Charlie O. Mallonee

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has selected DeMarcus Cousins to replace Kobe Bryant on the Western Conference All-Star team. Bryant will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn rotator cuff.

Cousins is the first Kings player named to the All-Star team since Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic represented Sacramento in 2004. He is the sixth Sacramento King to play in the game and the 23rd player in franchise history to be named an All-Star.

“I’m extremely excited to play in my first All-Star game. I appreciate the recognition and want to thank my teammates and the fans for their support throughout the season,” said Cousins. “Representing the Kings and the city of Sacramento is a great honor.”

“Everyone in the Kings organization is thrilled for DeMarcus and happy that his diligence and commitment to becoming the best player he can be has been recognized,” said Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro.

Kings Head Coach Tyrone Corbin added, “This honor is a result of the hard work and determination DeMarcus has shown throughout the season.”

Cousins is averaging 23.8 points per game to go with 12.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists,1.38 steals and 1.63 blocks in 33.8 minutes of average playing time. Cousins is fourth in the NBA in double-doubles (26), fifth in scoring and third in rebounding.

The 63rd NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, February 15th at Madison Square Garden in New York City.