By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) - The reserve squads of NBA 2019 All-Star Game in Charlotte were announced late Thursday, with the highlight of stars Blake Griffin, Ben Simmons, Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson and Russell Westbrook.</p> <p>The fans, media and the players selected the starters of this year's All-Star game, while the reserve squads were selected by the NBA coaches.</p> <p>Oklahoma City Thunder's prolific point-guard Russell Westerbrook was selected for the eight time -- joining his teammate Paul George; while New Orleans Pelicans' superstar Anthony Davis -- who recently asked for a trade -- got the honor for the sixth time.</p> <p>San Antonio Spurs' big man LaMarcus Aldridge was selected an All-Star for the seventh time. Aldridge scored his career best 56 points in a game this season.</p> <p>Golden State Warriors' hot shooter -- Stephen Curry's “splash brother” Klay Thompson was also selected for the All-Star Game, marking his fifth time.</p> <p>Portland Trail Blazers' star Damian Lillard will be playing in the All-Star Game for the fourth time, while Minnesota Timberwolves' young star Karl-Anthony Towns was selected for the second time. </p> <p>Denver Nuggets' big man Nikola Jokic got the All-Star honor for the first time in his career. Jokic is an essential piece in the Nuggets' squad, which improved to second place in the Western Conference this season.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the reserve players from the Eastern Conference squad were highlighted by Detroit Pistons' star Blake Griffin, who was selected for the sixth time. </p> <p>Toronto Raptors' Kyle Lowry will play in his fifth All-Star game, joining Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards (second All-Star Game) and Indiana Pacers' star Victor Oladipo (second time) -- who has recently had a season-ending knee operation.</p> <p>Victor Oladipo will be replaced by another player, the call-up will be announced soon.</p> <p>Milwaukee Bucks' shooting guard Khris Middleton, Orlando Magic's big man Nikola Vucevic and Philadelphia 76ers' young star Ben Simmons were selected as All-Stars for the first time in their careers.</p> <p><br />
Here are the reserve squads selected by the NBA coaches:
Western Conference: Anthony Davis (New Orleans), Nikola Jokic (Denver), LaMarcus Aldridge (San Antonio), Damian Lillard (Portland), Klay Thompson (Golden State), Karl-Anthony Towns and Russell Westbrook.
Eastern Conference: Bradley Beal (Washington), Blake Griffin (Detroit), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee), Kyle Lowry (Toronto), Victor Oladipo (Indiana), Ben Simmons (Philadelphia) and Nikola Vucevic (Orlando).
