Obviously finding out who the 2008 All Stars is exciting news, much like a holiday. The NBA releases some big news shindig, synthetic streamers and balloons are released on their website and everyone cheers. Unless you're Joe Johnson. Then you already know you are in. The Hawks guard, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, was informed before Wednesday's game that he was selected by the coaches as an All Star Reserve in the Eastern Conference. Johnson was an injury replacement for Jason Kidd last season and learned of his selection on a bus ride to practice the day before a game against the Clippers.Oh, I don't know ... maybe David Stern and Co. asked him not to hold a press conference? This is a bit surprising, especially when you consider that not only how well his teammate Josh Smith has played, but also Johnson's slight cool off through 2008 so far (under 20 points!, under five assists, 39 percent from the floor). But the All Star process isn't about being bitter (I know, surprise to me to too), so congratulations to Joe -- all that time he spent moaning in Phoenix about his role finally paid off.
Word of his selection didn't spread through the locker room Wednesday until about 90 minutes before tipoff. So by the time Johnson made it into the visitor's locker room at Staples Center, his teammates and coaches were ready with congratulations and well wishes, not to mention questions about why he didn't inform them earlier.
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