WHAT IT MEANS: Nets point guard Deron Williams was named an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve on Thursday night, and will participate in his third career NBA All-Star Game (2010, 2011, 2012) on Feb. 26 in Orlando.
HOW IT HAPPENED: D-Will ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring (20.9 points per game) and tied for fifth in the league in assists (8.6). The Nets are just 8-19, but in their eight wins, he's averaging 26.5 points and 10.3 assists. Williams was off target early in the season but has picked it up since, and is currently shooting 41 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range.
IMPRESSIVE: Williams is the only player in the NBA averaging more than 20 points and eight assists per game. He has scored 30-plus points four times. Williams' 11 points/assists double-doubles are tied with Steve Nash and Ricky Rubio for the most in the NBA.
DON'T FORGET: Center Brook Lopez (broken foot) has been injured all season, so Williams hasn't had any sort of post presence. Shelden Williams is the only Net to play in all of the team's first 27 games. D-Will has been criticized for his poor body language and has also made known his dislike for Prudential Center. Still, given the lack of talent around him, D-Will has put up solid numbers.
THE QUOTE: "It's an honor to make the All-Star team," Williams said Wednesday night. "It's always great to go down there and take part in All-Star weekend. The festivities are great. I think the NBA does a good job putting on these events, and it's a great thing to be a part of.”
THE TWEET: “Congrats to @DeronWilliams on making the 2012 NBA ALL STAR GAME. Well deserved.” -- Nets GM Billy King
THE EAST: Starters first:
G Derrick Rose, Chicago
G Dwyane Wade, Miami
C Dwight Howard, Orlando
F Carmelo Anthony, New York
F LeBron James, Miami
G Joe Johnson, Atlanta
G Deron Williams, New Jersey
C Roy Hibbert, Indiana
F Chris Bosh, Miami
F Luol Deng, Chicago
F Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia
F Paul Pierce, Boston
THE WEST: Starters first:
G Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
G Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers
C Andrew Bynum, L.A. Lakers
F Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City
F Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers
G Steve Nash, Phoenix
G Tony Parker, San Antonio
G Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
C Marc Gasol, Memphis
F LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland
F Kevin Love, Minnesota
F Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas