Doc Rivers: 'Travesty' that DeAndre Jordan not on All-Star team

Clippers coach Doc Rivers says that it is a “travesty” that center DeAndre Jordan was not selected to participate in the All-Star game for the Western Conference.

Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers says that it is a “travesty” that center DeAndre Jordan was not selected to participate in the All-Star game for the Western Conference.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver chose Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki to replace New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis, who will miss the game because of a shoulder injury.

The All-Star Game is Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York.

"I think DJ should be on the All-Star team. I think it's a travesty. I really do," Rivers said. "I just think that a guy who is getting 27 [rebounds] and 22 [points vs. Dallas on Monday] and 20s and 20s [should] be on the team."

Jordan has six games this season with 20 or more rebounds, including grabbing 20 rebounds and scoring 24 points in the Clippers’ 110-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. He has at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in three of the past six games.

• GOLLIVER & MAHONEY: 2015 NBA All-Star predictions

“There's never been a team that's won a title without being a decent defensive team," Rivers said. "But that side keeps getting forgotten about in the All-Star Game."

Jordan leads the NBA in rebounding, averaging 13.8 per game. He says the Clippers, who are sixth in the Western Conference with a 35-19 record, are playing for bigger goals than All-Star selections.

“At the end of the day, there's an ultimate goal for our team and our organization, and that's a lot bigger," Jordan said.

- Scooby Axson