Yesterday, the Bulls' Carlos Boozer made the case that he should be selected as one of the 2011 NBA All-Star reserves to be revealed tonight:
"I hope so," Boozer said. "I know I missed some games with my broken hand, but I feel like I am deserving of an All-Star appearance. If not, I'm not going to be disappointed. There are a lot of guys who feel they are deserving. If I am there, I will be extremely happy."
Boozer went on to say that he would be "honored" to join Derrick Rose on the team; Rose will be the first Bulls player to be an All-Star starter since Michael Jordan in 1998. Boozer has played in 30 games so far this season; the Bulls have gone 23-7 in those games and he has averaged a double double, with 19.8 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.
Also a possible consideration for a reserve spot on the Eastern Conference team would be forward Luol Deng, who has quietly averaged 17.8 points and 6.2 rebounds and may be having his best overall season.
The league's coaches name seven players for their respective conference on a ballot: two guards, two forwards, one center, and two "wild cards" who can be of any position. They cannot vote for players on their own team, and they must assign each player on the ballot with a numerical ranking, one through seven, in case a tiebreaker is necessary. Their ballots were due on Monday.
The NBA All-Star reserves will be announced tonight on TNT at 6 p.m., just before their Heat/Magic and Spurs/Lakers doubleheader.