Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison were chosen as reserves for the 2008 NBA All-Star games yesterday, a just reward for the two players largely responsible for keeping the Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. The Feb. 17 game in New Orleans will mark the second All Star appearance for both players.

Butler is in the midst of a career year. He is currently averaging career highs in points (21.9), steals (2.4), assists (4.3) and free throw percentage (91.5). He and LeBron James are the only two players in the league averaging over 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game. Jamison has recorded 26 double-doubles (points and rebounds) so far this season, second in the East. His 10.5 rebounds per game is a career best.

The reserve players were voted onto the roster by the coaches in the Eastern Conference, who were asked to vote for seven players — two guards, two forwards, one center and two players, regardless of position. Other Eastern reserves named yesterday include Boston’s Paul Pierce, Detroit’s Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups, and Toronto’s Chris Bosh.

The Wizards have a pair of high profile home games this weekend. Friday brings Utah to town, setting up a rematch of last year’s thrilling MLK Day game that featured a buzzer beating dagger from Gilbert Arenas. Sunday features a noon matinée against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant.

Photo by Kyle Gustafson.