Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan named starter for NBA All-Star Game

Toronto Raptors' DeMar DeRozan has been named to the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles. It is the fourth time in his career and the second time that he has earned a spot in the starting lineup.

Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan is heading to the NBA All-Star Game for the fourth time.

DeRozan was voted in as a starter for the second consecutive year, joining captain LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the Eastern Conference player pool. Stephen Curry is the Western Conference’s captain, with James Harden, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins earning the other four spots.

The 28-year-old DeRozan has appeared in all 43 of the Raptors’ games in 2017-18. He is averaging 25.2 points and has set career-highs in assists per game and three-point percentage.

DeRozan’s play is a huge reason why Toronto sits in second place in the Eastern Conference and owns the NBA’s fourth-best record overall at 30-13.

The all-star game takes place Feb. 18 in Los Angeles, DeRozan’s hometown. The reserve players will be announced on Jan. 23.

“Having the opportunity to play an NBA All-Star Game in my hometown is amazing, and being able to represent Toronto – my other home – makes it even better,” DeRozan said in a release. “It’s a great honour to be selected as a starter again, and I want to thank my teammates and coaches, the fans across Canada, the media, and the entire NBA community. I appreciate your votes.”

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