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(AP file photo)
Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams has issued the following statement with regard to his selection as a Western Conference reserve for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010:
"I am very honored and excited to be named to the All-Star Team. To be able to play with the best players in the world in my hometown is a dream come true.
"I hope all of the fans of the Jazz feel they are part of this selection. They encourage me and my teammates in every way possible. I am proud to represent them.
"My selection was a result and tribute to my great teammates and coaches."
This marks the first All-Star berth for Williams, a native of The Colony, Texas, who is currently in his fifth NBA season and was a member of the 2008 Gold Medal-winning United States Olympic Basketball Team. Williams is tied for the league lead with 11 games of 20-plus points and 10-plus assists, while also leading the Jazz in both assists (fourth in the league) and minutes played. He is currently averaging 19.0 points, 9.5 assists and a career-high 3.9 rebounds in 37.1 minutes per game. Williams was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Dec. 7-12, and on Jan. 4 became the ninth-fastest player in NBA history to reach 3,000 career assists.
Williams will miss tonight's Jazz home game vs. the Sacramento Kings in order to attend funeral services in West Virginia for a family member who passed away earlier this week.
(Courtesy Utah Jazz)
