Hawks' Millsap selected as All-Star reserve

Paul Millsap is New Orleans-bound.

The Hawks forward was announced as a reserve for the All-Star Game, marking the first selection of his career.

"It's an honor to be chosen by the coaches as an All-Star," Millsap said. "I know this wouldn’t have happened without the help and support of my teammates and the hard work of our coaching staff, and I'm proud to represent the Hawks in New Orleans."

Joining Millsap as Eastern Conference reserves are Chris Bosh, DeMar DeRozan, Roy Hibbert, Joe Johnson, Joakim Noah and John Wall.

He is the Hawks' first All-Star pick since Joe Johnson in 2011-12.

Millsap is averaging 17.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game. But those numbers have ballooned since Al Horford tore his right pectoral muscle Dec. 26, requiring season-ending surgery. Without Horford in the lineup, Millsap has picked up the load with 19.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists and played 33.5 minutes in that span.

"This is a very well deserved honor," said Hawks President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Danny Ferry. "Paul has been an All-Star player and an All-Star teammate for us. The Atlanta Hawks are very proud to have Paul representing the city of Atlanta and our team."

The 28-year-old is in his first season with the Hawks after spending the last seven with the Jazz.

Millsap won't be the only Atlanta player taking part in All-Star Weekend. Center Pero Antic was chosen for the Rising Stars Challenge.