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No matter that the Jazz's season is all of two games and five days old -- the campaign already has begun both on the court and on the Internet for Deron Williams' selection to the All-Star Game for the first time.
A lifelong Jazz fan who lives in Cache Valley and runs the SLC Dunk blog -- he prefers to be known as Basketball John, unsure of what his employer's reaction would be to his activities -- has launched the Web site votederon.com.
The site's mission is simply stated: "Ensuring the selection of Deron Williams to the NBA All-Star Game." Williams learned of it last week and retweeted a link to his nearly 19,000 followers on Twitter.
"I like it," Williams said Saturday. "Help me out. I need to be in there." Having been passed over for the All-Star Game the last three seasons, Williams joked, "I need a miracle, I guess."
Williams didn't even finish in the top 10 among Western Conference guards in fan voting last season. His national profile has continued to grow, including a starring role in an NBA on TNT commercial with actor Rainn Wilson.
"He's put himself in the spotlight quite a bit over the summer," John said, "and there's already a lot of talk about him -- 'There's no reason why he shouldn't be making an All-Star Game this year' -- but any little bit helps."
John had planned to launch the site last season, but the combination of a late start and Williams' preseason ankle sprain caused him to wait a year. The site
From a personal standpoint, John admitted that he'd prefer to see Williams voted in as a starter by fans, though he acknowledged how difficult that will be with Kobe Bryant likely taking up one guard spot in the West.
"I know it's not highly probable, but we can sure put up the effort," John said. "Maybe even if he doesn't get it this year, maybe we can build momentum for next year. It's not just a one-year thing."
If he isn't voted in by fans, Williams still could be selected as a reserve by conference coaches. Williams has added incentive this year, with the game being played Feb. 14 in his hometown of Dallas at the Cowboys' new 100,000-seat stadium.
In its first week, votederon.com already has gone global, with the operator of a Williams fan site in China reaching out to John.
The way he has played his first two games, though, Williams' selection may be nothing more than a formality. He has averaged 24.5 points and 11.0 assists, carrying the Jazz for stretches against both Denver and the L.A. Clippers.
"He's had two great games," Ronnie Price said. "That's what we need from him. He's our leader. We react off of him. The games that he's put together to start the season, it's a good start for us and a testament to what he's done in the summer to get better."
Williams came into the season determined to cut down on his turnovers, boost his three-point percentage and lead the Jazz to better results on the road. He has had to shift his focus some with C.J. Miles and Kyle Korver out to start the season.
"I'm looking to score more," Williams said. "We've got some guys out, so I'm going to need to score more."
John, meanwhile, never has met Williams, attends only a "handful" of games in person each season and and was surprised by his acknowledgment on Twitter. He was asked what Williams' selection to the All-Star Game would mean to him.
"I don't think Jazz fans need the validation," he said, "but it'd be nice to see him get that national recognition finally. It's been long overdue."
