The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Korver ‘cool’ with recognition
‘It was never my dream to be an All-Star,’ he says.
Korver (right) says he’s “cool” with All-Star selection,
BOSTON — Kyle Korver took the phone call from Mike Budenholzer, even though he was in the middle of a massage.
Korver was named an NBA All-Star game replacement Tuesday evening and the Hawks coach was the one to break the good news. And why not? He will be coaching three other Hawks on the Eastern Conference squad.
Budenholzer delivered notice that he would play alongside teammates Al Horford, Paul Millsap and Jeff Teague in New York City on Sunday. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver selected Korver to replace injured Heat guard Dwyane Wade.
“It’s definitely been quite the story with me and basketball,” Korver said Wednesday before the Hawks faced the Celtics. “A lot of things have happened in 12 years. I believe that everything happens for a reason. There are good things that are fun and you enjoy. There are bad things that you learn from and try to get better because of. All those things have happened, for sure.
“It was never my dream to be an All-Star. I just love the game and I love playing. It was never about making the NBA. It was about I love playing basketball and I love all of it. When you love something, you work really hard at it. ... It’s cool that this happened. It’s not the end by any means. I feel like I’ve still got quite a bit left but I’m on the back half, for sure. It’s cool.”
Horford, Millsap and Teague were selected East reserves by conference coaches last month. Wade was injured just before that announcement, immediately fueling speculation that Korver could join his teammates. He had to wait several weeks before Wade had to pull out with a hamstring injury.
The Hawks went into Wednesday play leading the Eastern Conference by 71/2 games with a 43-10 record. All five Hawks starters average double-digit scoring but none more than 18 points per game. The Hawks’ team concept is being rewarded.
“Our individuals are just being rewarded for what they are doing on the court,” Budenholzer said. “The league is open to having lots of different things to market. It’s great to market the superstars. They are a huge part of our league and we all reap the benefits of having incredible superstars.
“But you have some great teams and different ways to play and for the league to get excited about and engage and market. It’s a great sport. It’s a great game. I think the league is excited about the superstars and the teams. Our group is being rewarded for their play and effort so far.”