Al Horford is now a four-time NBA All-Star.
The Hawks center was named as a replacement to the Eastern Conference team Friday.
Horford will replace the Heat’s Chris Bosh, who will reportedly miss the game due to a left calf strain. Horford was travelling to Toronto on Friday for Sunday’s game.
Horford expressed gratitude for the honor.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to be in Toronto representing the Hawks,” Horford told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I will enjoy the weekend with my family and teammate Paul (Millsap).”
Horford also posted on Twittter: “What a privilege to be named to the #NBAAllStarTO team. Looking forward to representing Atlanta! #Grateful.”
The NBA announced that Bosh will miss the game and Horford will be his replacment Friday evening. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is responsible for naming replacements when a player is unable to participate. Horford was a strong candidate to be named a reserve when the team’s were announced last month.
It will be Horford’s second straight appearance after being named last season. He was also an All-Star two straight seasons from 2010-11. Horford will join teammate Paul Millsap , who was named an All-Star for the third consecutive season, all with the Hawks.
Horford, 29, is the Hawks’ second leading scorer at 15.3 points and rebounder at 6.9 boards per game. He has appeared in all 55 games this season. Horford has scored in double-figures 49 times this season, inclduing nine 20-point and two 30-point games.
In his ninth season, Horford has averaged 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. The Hawks drafted Horford with the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft out of the University of Florida. He will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
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