The GB star has played a key role in Bulls' success in the opening weeks of the shortened NBA season with his defence regularly praised by leading experts. Deng is in his eighth season with the Bulls, and will now play in the showpiece game on Sunday February 26 at Orlando Magic's Amway Arena.
Deng joins the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwight Howard and fellow Bulls teammate Derrick Rose at the NBA's showpiece midseason event.
Selected to start in the East were Derrick Rose (Bulls), LeBron James and Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat), Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks), and Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic). Rounding off the East squad are Chris Bosh (Miami Heat), Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics), Roy Hibbert (Indiana Pacers), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers), Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks), and Deron Williams (New Jersey Nets).
Voted to start for the West were Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers), Blake Griffin and Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers), and Kevin Durant (Thunder). The Western Conference reserves feature LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers), Marc Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks), Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves), Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns), Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs), and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder). The contingent of four European players is a record: Deng (UK), Gasol (Spain), Nowitzki (Germany) and Parker (France).
Deng and the Bulls picked up their 22nd win in 28 games on Wednesday evening with a rousing 90-68 victory at New Orleans Hornets. The former Duke stand-out had a quiet night offensively with nine points but added seven rebounds and dished out five assists as the Bulls comfortably won each of the first three periods to go into the final break with a 24 point lead.
Coach Tom Thibodeau was able to limit Deng to 34 minutes of action as they maintained their push for the Eastern Conference title. Charlotte is the next destination for the Bulls as they continue to their six game road trip against the Bobcats on Friday evening, and they move on to Boston on Sunday before returning home to face Tom Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.
