Nuggets center Nene has one shot left at getting named to the Western Conference all-star team. That would be as an injury replacement for Houston center Yao Ming, a selection that will be made by commissioner David Stern.
The all-star reserves were named Thursday evening, and Western Conference big men chosen were Blake Griffin (Clippers), Tim Duncan (Spurs), Pau Gasol (Lakers) and Dirk No- witzki (Mavericks). Major snubs were Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge and Minnesota’s Kevin Love. Stern’s decision next week likely will come down to one of those two players.
Nene, meanwhile, plans to spend the all-star break with family and friends in Vail.
Nene was thought to have an outside chance to be selected because he’s in the midst of his best season as a pro, averaging 15.1 points and 7.3 rebounds. He is leading the NBA in field-goal percentage at 64.1 and is enjoying career highs in points, field-goal percentage and free-throw percentage.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
