The Kings' representation at NBA All-Star Weekend just got a bit lighter as Tyreke Evans has pulled out of Friday's T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. He's been replaced by James Harden, who should have been in the game in the first place. Evans missed the last two Kings' game with a reported flare-up of plantar fasciitis in his foot. He's missed a total of three games with the injury.
Evans was the Rookie Challenge MVP a year ago. In his acceptance remarks, he shared the award with fellow rookie DeJuan Blair. Omri Casspi also starred in that game, though the Israeli wasn't named to the sophomore roster this season.
DeMarcus Cousins will still play, though. He'll be the rookies' starting center next to Blake Griffin and with Landry Fields, John Wall and Derrick Favors in the mix. Amar'e Stoudemire and Spurs assistant Mike Budenholzer, both former love interests of Sactown Royalty, will coach the rookies. The game is Friday at 6 PM Pacific on TNT.