On February 6, Kristaps Porzigis, the New York Knicks star, went down with a knee Injury after he dunked on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Knicks staff confirmed that Porzingis tore his ACL. He is reportedly going to miss the rest of the season after the surgery heals completely. I expect either Lou Williams or Ben Simmons to be called in as replacements on the All-Star team.

Kristaps is only the latest NBA star player to be injured, along with John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, and Kevin Love. All of them were chosen for the All-Star game to play for Team LeBron.

Kristaps Porzingis was the main asset of the Knicks team this season with the 43.9 percent from the field and averages of 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.

Are the Knicks doomed?

Kristaps Porzingis’s injury doesn’t change the calculus very much. The Knicks' slim chances of getting to the playoffs this season are now pretty much non-existent. But, it’s not this season that the Knicks should be worried about. If the Unicorn misses the first couple of months of the next season New York should be ready, this would possibly keep them out of the playoffs once again.

This injury raises the question if the New York Knicks are going to give Kristaps the expected max contract extension this summer.

The fact that he is arguably the best franchise player means they most certainly will, but, they will have the time to think about it.

Is the All-Star Team LeBron weaker now?

With four of the players injured, and not able to play, many would say that Team LeBron is now weaker.

But, they were stronger to start with, so, if anything, they are more balanced now. It is true that these injuries (Kevin Love, DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, and now Kristaps Porzingis) are taking some fun out of the All-Star Game, but, I am hoping to see more intense game now.

Kevin Love broke his left hand and although he dodged surgery, he will miss next six to eight weeks of the season.

This is Love’s second All-Star Game in a row that he is not playing because of an injury. Goran Dragic will replace Love for the All-Star Game this year.

John Wall injured his left knee and he will also miss six to eight weeks. Andre Drummond, a Detroit Piston’s center is going to replace Wall at the upcoming All-Star event.

DeMarcus Cousins sustained a season-ending ruptured left Achilles tendon against Houston (Jan. 26). He will be replaced by the Oklahoma City’s forward Paul George. This will be George’s fifth All-Star selection and third in a row.
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