DALLAS -- Hawks guard Joe Johnson will make his first All-Star game start on Sunday.
Eastern Conference coach Stan Van Gundy of the Orlando Magic decided to start Johnson in place of Allen Iverson, who bowed out of the game for personal reasons.
Van Gundy chose from among East guards Johnson, Rajon Rondo of Boston and Derrick Rose of Chicago, who are both first-time All-Stars. Johnson will play in his fourth straight game.
"I'm extremely excited by this honor and appreciative that I've been selected," Johnson said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Johnson declined an opportunity to play for the U.S. national team in the 2010 FIBA World Championships and 2012 Olympics. USA Basketball national director Jerry Colangelo approached Johnson about being included in the 27-player pool for the next two major international competitions.
"I did it a few years back [in 2006]," Johnson said. "I'm just not feeling it now. There is no disrespect intended at all. Me and Jerry go way back to when I played for the Suns. But I just didn't feel it."
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