The National Basketball Association announced today that Wizards forwards Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison have been named to the 2008 NBA All-Star team, and will represent Washington at the 2008 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 17th in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marks the second career All-Star appearance for both Butler and Jamison, and it is third time in four years that Washington has had two All-Star representatives. Jamison joined Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas as All-Stars in 2005, while Butler and Arenas were tabbed as All-Stars last season.

"This is a dream come true for me,” said Butler. “I am really excited to be going back to the All-Star Game. Having Antawn out there with me will be fun. This is a great opportunity for both of us."

“I am proud to be an All-Star,” said Jamison. “It is a special honor for me to be recognized by the Eastern Conference coaches. It is a good feeling and a moment that I will always cherish. It also really says a lot for what we have accomplished as a team this season.”

“I’m extremely proud of Caron and Antawn,” said Wizards Chairman Abe Pollin. “It’s obvious that they are both having All-Star seasons on the floor, but these young men are equally as impressive off of the floor. They are role models to young fans and their families, active members of our community, and simply wonderful human beings. I’m very fortunate to have them represent my team in this year’s All-Star game.”

“Caron and Antawn have played at an extremely high level for us,” said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. “They have been very consistent and very efficient on both ends of the floor. Caron and Antawn are not only All-Stars on the court, but they exhibit great leadership and character off the court. We are proud that they will be representing our organization in New Orleans.”

“Caron and Antawn are our team captains and their great leadership has had a significant impact on our team,” said Wizards Head Coach Eddie Jordan. “They are serious about practicing and playing the right way, and they are both excellent teammates. Caron was an All-Star last season, but he continued to work diligently on his game during the off-season, and he has now joined an elite group of players in the NBA. Ever since Antawn was an All-Star for us in his first season in Washington, he has been as consistent of a player as there is in the NBA. They both have had All-Star seasons, and are very deserving of this honor.”

In his second consecutive All-Star season, Butler is one of just two players in the NBA currently averaging at least 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game (with Cleveland’s LeBron James). Butler is averaging career-highs in points per game (21.9, 14th in the NBA), assists per game (4.3), steals per game (2.4, 3rd in the NBA), free throw % (.915, 4th in the NBA), field goal % (.481) and three-point field goal % (.372), and with Jamison, comprises the Eastern Conference’s highest scoring forward tandem.

In his fourth season in Washington, Jamison has recorded 26 games already this season with at least 10 points and 10 rebounds. His 26 double-doubles rank second overall in the Eastern Conference (behind starting All-Star center Dwight Howard) and tops among all Eastern Conference forwards this season. Currently averaging 21.1 points and a career-high 10.5 rebounds per game, Jamison is one of just five players in the NBA averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

In search of their fourth consecutive playoff appearance, the Wizards are currently 24-20, good for second place in the Southeast Division.