Next year's first All-Star selection announced

In the all the hoopla surrounding the announcement of this year's NBA schedule, very little media attention was given to the announcement of the first player to be selected to the 2009 NBA All-Star team.  Even if there are some sure-fire locks to make the team (Kobe, LeBron, Yao, Dwight Howard, etc.) this year, it seems a little odd that someone would officially be given a spot two months before the season begins. 

Normally, I'd be a little wary of any source that claims to know such information, but in this case I'm willing to make an exception.  3-time All-Star Caron Butler has earned that kind of respect:

(Note: Caron mutters a few profanities before making his announcement, so be careful where you listen.  However, the last 10 seconds where the declaration goes down is completely clean.)

Let's just hope this year Caron actually plays in the All-Star Game, as opposed to being sidelined with an injury.  That would be a nice touch.