So, what if?
This conspiracy theory isn’t in any way stating that Damian Lillard was faking his injury, just merely speculating that the injury might have been nowhere near quite as bad as it appeared (although it didn’t appear that bad), or at least that it was an injury that he wasn’t capable of potentially recovering from quickly enough to participate in the All-Star festivities should he really have wanted to.
This conspiracy theory is centered around the idea that maybe Lillard didn’t want to participate in the game and shooting contest, and like Booker had mentioned in interviews in Phoenix, maybe he just wanted some extended mid-season rest, that he may have believed he needs in order to make a final strong push towards the playoffs.
This theory further speculated that Damian Lillard wanted Devin Booker to be his replacement, and that he full-well know that by backing out he was not only playing Booker in the perfect position to get the nod – but that the league was going to essentially be forced into taking him – who at least Phoenix Suns fans know was the perfect player to make the roster.
What fans do not know (and may never know) is if Devin Booker was already the first All-Star alternate in the event of an injury, and if Lillard knew that Book was going to make the team in his stead, but maybe could not say anything definitively – just in case.
If Lillard did know, then his statement that Booker should replace was more of a seemingly invisible wink and a nod towards Book that the Blazers point guard was giving him a head’s up to expect a call.
Either way, Damian Lillard is out, and Devin Booker is in. No matter what the situation was that got the Phoenix Suns atr in there, his selection is absolutely one of the best things to happen to the franchise, in a very long time.