Anthony Davis All-Star Appearance Set As He Replaces Injured Kobe; When Willl He Lead The Pelicans Into The Playoffs?

Anthony Davis, aka The Unibrow, will finally make it to the All-Star Game after being the lead snub of the West. He will replace the injured Kobe Bryant, who has already begged off from the game.

Bryant had already  mentioned that he would rather skip the All-Star Game and concentrate on rehabilitation from his injury.

Davis was overflowing with emotion when he shared his thoughts with the Associated Press prior to the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves: "It's a great opportunity for me. I'm excited to play in the game. When coach said it, I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. I'm glad they chose me. I'll try to go out and represent New Orleans and the Pelicans."

"I was down, but I moved on. I understand that I have a lot more opportunities to try to get in the game. Today, it was great."

New Orleans Pelicans coach Monty Williams shared his side of the story: "I can't tell you how happy I was to be able to tell him the news after having to tell him the first time that he didn't make it. It was a cool moment. I can't express that enough, how happy I am for him. 'Not a game, coach?' And I was like, 'No, not a game. You made it.' And he was speechless and laughing. You know, he's 20. I didn't expect a poem or anything. I thought he deserved it the first time."

Even the coach from the other side, Rick Adelman of the Minnesota Timberwolves, gave his seal of approval: "He certainly deserves it. He's the leading shot-blocker in the league. I had a feeling he'd be the one they would chose and rightfully so, getting a representative from New Orleans in the game. He's certainly worth it."

Davis led the Pelicans to a win that game, but when will he take the Pelicans to the Playoffs?

Ethan Strauss of TrueHoop analyzes that question. The Pelicans made both good and bad moves this summer, but it's Anthony Davis and his health which will decide: "Two years from now, and I don't even really expect them to improve outside of Anthony Davis. It's just that once Davis grows into his skill set, he should rule the league. It's unfortunate that the Pelicans have made bad moves -- Why oh why did they trade Robin Lopez for the 'privilege' of overpaying Tyreke Evans? -- but they have a superstar who can guarantee a playoff berth nearly on his lonesome."