Nikola Jokic the Nuggets first all-star since Carmelo Anthony in 2011

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic became the first Denver Nuggets player since Carmelo Anthony in 2011 be named an all-star, earning a reserve nod Thursday for the Western Conference.

The 41st-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Jokic has averaged 20.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in 31.4 minutes per game on the way to not only his first all-star selection but the best record in club history through 50 games.

This season, Jokic has twice won player of the week honors, recorded the second-most triple-doubles (8), and the sixth-most double-doubles (34) in the NBA. He ranks third among centers in assists per game (7.7), third in steals per game (1.43), fifth in points per game (20.1), and 11^th in rebounds per game (10.4).

Jokic joins Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons, and Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton as first-year all-stars.

Here are the Eastern Conference and Western Conference reserves:

Western Conference

» LaMarcus Aldridge, Spurs

» Anthony Davis, Pelicans

» Nikola Jokić, Nuggets

» Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers

» Klay Thompson, Warriors

» Karl-Anthony Towns, Timberwolves

» Russell Westbrook, Thunder

Eastern Conference

» Bradley Beal, Wizards

» Blake Griffin, Pistons

» Kyle Lowry, Raptors

» Khris Middleton, Bucks

» Victor Oladipo, Pacers

» Ben Simmons, 76ers

» Nikola Vucevic, Magic

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.

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