It doesn't sound like it.

"We're not worried about All-Star appearances, nothing like that," said Carlos Boozer, a two-time All-Star whose chances this season were sabotaged by a knee injury.

"We're worried about winning championships. That's our primary goal every year."

Jazz vice president of Basketball operations Kevin O'Connor agrees: "We feel our record is more significant than how many All-Stars we have."

In all, players from 23 of the NBA's 30 teams will compete in Sunday's All-Star Game, in at least one event on All-Star Saturday or in the Rookie Challenge on Friday night.

At 30-23, the Jazz own the best record among any team not represented -- a group that also includes Golden State, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Charlotte, Sacramento and Washington.

As the eighth-place team in the Western Conference, however, the Jazz understand why they are vacationing -- not participating -- during All-Star Weekend.

"We know we didn't get anybody [in] because we're not winning right now -- point blank," said Deron Williams.

The NBA invited Williams to defend his championship in the Skills Challenge, one of the lounge acts on All-Star Saturday. But he declined, citing the need to rest after an injury-plagued first half of the season.

Because of Williams' decision, the Jazz won't be represented at All-Star Weekend for only the third time time since 1977.

"I haven't given that any thought," said coach Jerry Sloan. "But I've never been concerned about the All-Star Game because I really don't have any control over that. Whatever happens happens."

What happened to the Jazz this season, of course, are injuries.

Last year, six Utah players competed during All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. But the Jazz also owned a 34-19 record at the break, and they were healthy.

Last season, Utah lost only 52 player-games to injury, illness or personal reasons. This year, Jazz players have already missed 143 games.

Asked about the Jazz's lack of presence in Phoenix, veteran Jarron Collins said, "It's not a concern. We know we have All-Star caliber players on this team -- very, very talented guys who unfortunately didn't make it this year because they were hurt. But it's O.K because, this way, guys are going to get the rest that's necessary for us to make the push we need when we come back."

Boozer has missed 41 games, Andrei Kirilenko has missed 15 and Williams has missed 14. Among those three, at least one has participated in six of the last seven All-Star Weekends.

"If the injuries weren't there, it might have been a little bit different," said Ronnie Brewer. "If Boozer's healthy, he's more than likely a shoe-in. Same with D-Will. If he had played more, he makes it, too. So it's kind of discouraging -- kind of disappointing. But it's not the end of the world. We've got to move on and focus on winning some games."

Utah's biggest concern about the lack of participation during All-Star Weekend probably involves the Rookie Challenge.

The game matches first- and second-year players who are enjoying outstanding seasons, which could translate into how well a team is stocked for the future.

Paul Millsap and Brewer represented the Jazz last season, but no one earned a roster spot this year.

Rookie Kosta Koufos averages 4.8 points and three rebounds in limited action, while second-year men Morris Amond and Kyrylo Fesenko rarely play.

Of course, Kofous was the No. 23 pick in last year's draft, while Almond went 25th and Fesenko was taken 38th in 2007.

Said O'Connor: "When you are drafting in the 20s -- or later -- I don't think it's an indictment -- not having a guy in the Rookie Game. Actually, when you have those kind of guys make it, I think it's pretty special."

luhm@sltrib.com