
Antawn Jamison (l) shares a laugh with teammate Caron Butler in an AP interview.
Photo Credit AP/Jose Luis Magana
Deserving All-Stars
For many NBA players the hour is drawing near. As that hour moves closer the atmosphere is akin to a child waiting anxiously knowing that in what appears to be an eternity Santa will arrive, possibly baring their wish.
Today is the day when the League officials name the Reserve Players who will participate in this year’s All-Star game, held on Feb. 17 in the Crescent City – New Orleans Louisiana. Will Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), possibly the League’s Most Valuable Player, or Brandon Roy (Portland Trailblazers) earn their first All-Star roster spot – the play of Paul and Roy are huge reasons why their teams are in the Western Conference playoff hunt.
Two other players who hope, if not expect, to receive a message confirming their All-Stars selection are the Washington Wizards’ starting forwards Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler. Both former All-Stars are putting up All-Star stats.
Jamison is averaging 21.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. He is one of only five players (Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, Al Jefferson of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets) averaging at least 20 plus points and 10 plus rebounds per game.
Antawn Jamison scores a layup over the Memphis Grizzlies Rudy Gay. Photo Credit Ned Dishman/NBAE-Getty Images
Jamison is 22nd in the League in scoring and ninth in rebounding, and he has collected 26 double-doubles this year, which ranks him second behind Howard in the Eastern Conference.
Historically, averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game and playing on a winning team guarantees an invite to the mid-season classic. Derrick Coleman was the last player (in the 1992-93) to average 20 and 10 and not be selected as an All-Star.
“If it [being invited] happens it’s a great honor,” Jamison expressing his thoughts about the potential All-Star selection. “I will definitely cherish that moment, but if it doesn’t hopefully there will be more opportunities to get that opportunity.” Butler, who gained his first All-Star invitation last year, is having a career year. He and LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) are the only players averaging 20 points, seven rebounds and four assist per game.
Tough Juice, as he is known in D.C., is scoring 21.8 points on .481 percent shooting. He is converting at a rate of .372 percent from the arc, .915 from the charity stripe – all career highs. Currently Butler has successfully converted his last 70 free throw attempts. His last failed free throw occurred on Dec. 28 against the New Jersey Nets. He’s also set a career best with 2.4 steals per game which ranks him third in the League.
Caron Butler scores over the Milwaukee Bucks’ Andrew Bogut (6) after grabbing an offensive rebound. Charlie Bell (42) and Royal Ivey (12) look on. Photo Credit Jonathan Daniels/Getty Images.
Last year Butler, elated when he found out he was named as a Reserve, said he almost cried, but didn’t because he was with the fellows [his teammates]. It appears he will be just as excited when he receives the news later today.
“Man, I just hope it happens. If it happens I’m going to accept it with open arms; definitely I’m going to be happy and soak it all in – definitely,” Butler said.
Reggie Williams, an award-winning editor and journalist, serves as Senior NBA Analyst for Sports Journey Radio. You can listen to his analyst Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 4:40 P.M. and 4:54 P.M. on ESPN 1240 in Delmarva, Maryland and Saturday’s on The US Sports Radio Network.



