A former second-round draft pick making the NBA's minimum salary and playing behind a two-time All-Star until seven weeks ago, Millsap has become one of the most improbable All-Star candidates in years.

Since Carlos Boozer was lost to a left knee injury Nov. 19, Millsap has averaged 18.5 points and 11.7 rebounds in 20 games as a starter. With Boozer set to undergo arthroscopic surgery today, Millsap is likely to start for another month at least.

His streak of 19 consecutive double-doubles -- which survived even as Millsap missed three games with a hyperextended knee -- is the longest by an NBA player since Kevin Garnett 's run of 33 straight in 2006.

"It's tough," Deron Williams said of Millsap's All-Star chances. "The first part of the season, he wasn't playing the type of minutes. If you take those away, he's probably averaging 20 [points] and 10 [rebounds] since he's been the starter."

"He's doing all the right things," Williams added. "There's some big decisions this summer with him. We definitely want him back. He's playing so great for us right now at both ends of the floor. I like playing with him."

Millsap played in the rookie/sophomore game as part of All-Star weekend the past two years.

He admitted that he had no grand dreams of returning for the showcase game itself.

"It's tough to think like that when you're coming off the bench," Millsap said. "We never expected what happened to happen [with Boozer]. But it did happen and I'm starting right now and just trying to continue to build off that."

Injury report

C.J. Miles is doubtful for Saturday's game against Detroit with the sprained right ankle he suffered when he landed on James Posey's foot in the third quarter Wednesday. Miles was re-evaluated Thursday and has a moderate sprain with minimal swelling.

Miles will be re-examined before Monday's game against Indiana. Jazz coach Jerry Sloan suggested Wednesday that Morris Almond could take Miles' place in the starting lineup.

Briefly

Boozer is set to undergo surgery today in Los Angeles to remove a loose particle in the back of his knee. He's missed 24 games and is expected to remain in Los Angeles to rehab.

rsiler@sltrib.com

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