With Yao Ming injured and Shaquille O'Neal back in the Eastern Conference, Nuggets center Nene has a decent shot at playing in his first-ever All-Star Game this season.

"Shaq is gone, Yao is out," Nuggets coach George Karl told the Denver Post. "This is the year of opportunity for Nene."

Karl has mentioned in the past that Nene could be an All-Star someday, and this season might be his best chance.

"Nene has a rather complete game for a post player," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said of Nene on Monday. "He doesn't need a lot of shots and he gets points with those shots, and he plays aggressively, and with intensity. Those two things are impressive."