Duncan replaces Yao as starter

The Western Conference needs a starting center for the All-Star game in Los Angeles, and Gregg Popovich says he knows the perfect person for the job.

The San Antonio coach selected Spurs star Tim Duncan to replace Yao Ming in the lineup for Sunday's game at Staples Center, staying in his own locker-room instead of picking Clippers star Blake Griffin playing in his home arena or Timberwolves double-double machine Kevin Love.

"I think it's totally appropriate and obvious that he should be the starter," Popovich said before the Spurs faced the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. "I don't have any problem with it."