Allen, Okur chosen as West All-Star replacements

Feb 13, 2007 - 10:52 PM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) - Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen and Utah Jazz forward Mehmet Okur were chosen Tuesday as injury replacements for the Western Conference All-Star team.

The selections were made by NBA commissioner David Stern, who has chosen one-third of the West's 12-man roster. Last week, Stern selected forwards Carmelo Anthony of Denver and Josh Howard of Dallas as injury replacements.

The choices of Allen and Okur were made necessary by the recent announcements by injured superstar guards Steve Nash of Phoenix and Allen Iverson of Denver that they would be unable to play in Sunday's midseason showcase due to injury.

In addition, Nash will be replaced in All-Star Saturday's Skills Challenge by New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul.

It is the seventh All-Star berth for Allen, the sweet-shooting guard who is averaging a career-high 26.9 points, seventh in the NBA. He missed 10 games earlier this season with a bone bruise on his ankle.

It is the first All-Star berth for Okur, a native of Turkey who is averaging a career-high 18.2 points and 7.4 rebounds. Teammate Carlos Boozer originally was chosen as a reserve but also is unable to play due to injury.