Anthony Davis starting in the All-Star Game this year was supposed to be inevitable. After all, Davis finished third in overall voting last year behind Stephen Curry and LeBron James with over 1.3 million votes. Selection as a starter in the All-Star Game for the second time would trigger the Rose Rule, pushing AD's contract extension from $120 million in total value to $143 million.
Instead, the New Orleans Pelicans and Davis have struggled mightily this season. Any number of circumstances have contributed; a coaching change to Alvin Gentry, a tidal wave of injuries, poor play by a number of rotation players, and some of those players simply not fitting in Gentry's system have all been discussed.