Washington Wizards star Caron Butler is an All-Star this year but not participating due to injury. Here’s what he had to say about the weekend:
Q: How are you dealing with being here but not participating in the All-Star Game?
Caron Butler: I’m truly enjoying it; I’m living through Antawn [Jamison] right now. We’re just bonding and I can’t wait to go out there and just see him. I’m the biggest fan and biggest supporter of Antawn right now. Obviously, it was something I really wanted to do, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to, but I did what was best for myself and the team by sitting out and just resting my body and healing and being 100 percent. I’m just going to enjoy the weekend. I have my family out here and will do as much as I can since I’m not playing.
Q: How do you feel about the coming to New Orleans and playing a role in the revitalization of the city?
Caron Butler: It’s just great. You witness everything that the city went through and obviously it was televised and you witnessed from afar but it felt like you were right there. It was real heartfelt. I was watching TNT last night and I saw Charles Barkley with a young lady, and hearing some of the things she was saying … and it was really heartfelt and my mother and I got really teary-eyed and I was just like, “Man, it’s great that the league brought this game here.” And to be a part of the recovery process and enlighten this city … it’s amazing what basketball can do to bring excitement to people’s lives and help with the recovery.
Q: Where you out there with the hammer and nails?
Caron Butler: I mean, they don’t want me doing to much out there like lifting and doing stuff like that, but I’m going to be doing as much as possible. Every little bit helps. I’m going to be out there and do my treatment. Whatever they want me to do, I’m free and open to anything.
