WASHINGTON -- Chris Bosh called the start to this season one of the best he ever has had. On Thursday, the Heat’s power forward was awarded for his work. Eastern Conference coaches voted him into the All-Star Game as a reserve. This is Bosh’s seventh invitation to the All-Star Game.

“I’m just happy because my heroes growing up were 10-time All-Stars and stuff like that, so it’s really cool just having a crack at being as successful as they were in some capacity,’’ Bosh told reporters at the Heat’s optional practice on Thursday at Verizon Center. The Heat (19-7) plays the Wizards at 7 p.m. Friday.

This is Bosh’s second All-Star selection with the Heat. He is averaging 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

TNT basketball analyst Charles Barkley, one of Bosh’s most vocal critics earlier this season, suggested that the Bosh should have been an Eastern Conference starter rather than Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is currently nursing a groin injury, so there’s a chance Bosh could start.

Bosh will join Dwyane Wade and LeBron James for the Feb.26 All-Star Game, which will be held at Orlando’s Amway Center. James, Wade, Anthony, Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard will start for the East. The East reserves are center Roy Hibbert (Pacers), forwards Luol Deng (Bulls) and Paul Pierce (Celtics), guards Deron Williams (Nets) and Joe Johnson (Hawks) and swingman Andre Iguodala (76ers).

Starting for the West All-Stars will be center Andrew Bynum (Lakers), forwards Blake Griffin (Clippers) and Kevin Durant (Thunder) and guards Kobe Bryant (Lakers) and Chris Paul (Clippers). The West reserves are centers Kevin Love (Timberwolves) and Marc Gasol (Grizzlies), forwards LaMarcus Aldridge (Trail Blazers and Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) and guards Russell Westbrook (Thunder), Tony Parker (Spurs) and Steve guard Nash (Suns).