This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Reserves for the 2011 All-Star game will be announced Thursday. But Jazz coach Jerry Sloan said that his ballot is already in.

Sloan joined forces with assistants Phil Johnson, Tyrone Corbin and Scott Layden to select seven backups.

While Sloan takes the selection process seriously, he would not reveal whether he thinks the Jazz's Paul Millsap should make the cut.

"We don't get involved in that. That's one good thing I don't have to talk about," said Sloan prior to Utah's 83-78 home victory against the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday. "Because you offend the player, having to talk about [whether] they're an All-Star, not an All-Star. … When they go out [on the court] they have the opportunity to be an All-Star."

Still out

Jazz guard Deron Williams missed his third consecutive game due to a strained tendon in his right wrist.

He participated in pregame warmups, but his flexibility and comfort level appeared to be limited.

Williams' status was moved from a game-time decision to doubtful and then officially out versus the Bobcats.

He is still wearing a soft cast on his wrist.

Stepping up

Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko acknowledged that he is attempting to ramp up his performance while Williams is sidelined.

Kirilenko has averaged 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 63.6 percent (21 of 33) from the field in the past three games as Williams has been stuck on the bench.

"I feel good," Kirilenko said. "I'm in pretty good shape. Trying to catch the good rhythm; that feeling when you're feeling good on the floor."

Briefly

Jazz center Mehmet Okur (strained lower back) missed his second consecutive game. … Kirilenko, Williams and Okur are day-to-day due to their injuries, while Millsap (dislocated left fifth finger) is a game-time decision for a home contest Wednesday against Houston. X-rays of Millsap and Kirilenko taken after the victory against Charlotte were negative. … BYU guard Jimmer Fredette attended the contest. He received a loud cheer from the crowd after being recognized on the JumboTron during the third quarter.

bsmith@sltrib.comTwitter: tribjazz