Oklahoma City Thunder: Durant’s time will come soon

/> Sidelined most of January by a hand injury, Anthony is expected to return the next 10 days but could skip the All-Star Game to help his hand fully heal.

Even if all of them make it that’s only six reserves. That leaves one roster spot. Two if both centers don’t make it. Three if Anthony isn’t on the team. Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker probably will be selected.

If another spot opens up Pau Gasol’s stats (17.5 points, 9.2 rebounds) are solid but it wouldn’t be an injustice if he’s left off. Same goes for David West (20.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg).

Two-time MVP Steve Nash (14.2 ppg, 9.3 apg) will get some support but probably won’t make it. Tracy McGrady has missed too many games.

Other candidates like Ron Artest, Kevin Martin, Manu Ginobili and LaMarcus Aldridge can’t match Durant’s qualifications.

Ultimately, Durant’s fate rests in the hands of Western Conference coaches like Gregg Popovich, Byron Scott, Jerry Sloan, George Karl, Don Nelson, Rick Adelman, Kevin McHale and their peers.

Since Durant is being mentioned as a future member of Team USA in international competition, Durant will be an All-Star. It’s just a question of whether he makes it this season.