Mike D'Antoni: 'No brainer' that James Harden an All-Star

Mike D'Antoni: 'No brainer' that James Harden an All-Star

James Harden's seventh selection to the NBA All-Star team as a Rocket isn't a shock but is pleasing nonetheless.

Harden finished with slightly more than 2.9 million fan votes, which would have put him third in the conference. However, Harden collected 153 votes from his fellow players and 99 media votes, which allowed him to leapfrog Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Derrick Rose for the second spot.

For head coach Mike D'Antoni, the result was a foregone conclusion.

"He deserves that. It's really a no-brainer," said D'Antoni. "[Harden finishing third in fan voting] is what it is, but what he does for this team is actually underrated."

The selection to the All-Star team is Harden's seventh in as many seasons with the Rockets. He trails only Hakeem Olajuwon (12) and Yao Ming (8) for the most selections in franchise history.

The significance of the selection isn't lost on Harden.

"Whether it's the fans, or my peers or the media, the votes [I receive] are special," said Harden. "I'm excited just like it's my first time. You never want to take those opportunities for granted, so I try to put the work in every single day."

Harden will find out which teammates he will have during the game when Team Captains LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo draft their respective teams on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.