Popovich names Duncan an All-Star starter

Given the prerogative of choosing an injury replacement for Houston’s Yao Ming as starting center, Popovich has opted to go with a name he’s been writing into his starting lineup for 13-plus seasons: Tim Duncan.

By earning the nod over L.A. hometown favorite Pau Gasol, Duncan will extend his streak of All-Star starts to 12 consecutive seasons by technicality.

“I think it’s totally appropriate and obvious he should be the starter,” Popovich said before the Spurs’ 109-99 loss to Chicago. “I don’t have any problem with it.”

Apparently, Duncan will have no problem being called a center, and not a power forward, in this particular instance.

Duncan called the starting bid “a great honor.”

“I didn’t expect to be there this year, and I definitely didn’t expect to start,” Duncan said. “Year in and year out, I continue to be on the starting squad. I don’t know why I’m there.”

Manu Ginobili, the Spurs’ other All-Star this season, unsurprisingly agreed with Popovich’s decision.

“If there’s someone who deserves that spot, it’s TD,” Ginobili said.