Reports: Carmelo Anthony Will Start In All-Star Game Despite Arm Injury
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony will start in Sunday's NBA All-Star Game, multiple sources reported on Friday.
Anthony, who was selected to the All-Star Game for the sixth time in his career, was hurt early in the Knicks' 92-88 loss to Toronto on Wednesday when he tried to step in front of a driving DeMar DeRozan and took an elbow to his biceps. Anthony said it created a contusion and left him battling a "dead arm" throughout the game.
Anthony finished with 12 points on 5-of-24 shooting
Following the game, Anthony said that he wants to play on Sunday in Houston, but he's "not going to force it."
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"As bad as I would want to play in the All-Star Game (and) participate, if I can't go then I can't go," Anthony said. "Nothing I can do about that."
Apparently he feels that the injury is minor enough that he can handle it.
The former first-round pick is having a stellar season for the Atlantic Division-leading Knicks.
In 43 games played, the 6-foot-8, 230-pounder is averaging 28.6 points, 2.7 assists, 6.5 rebounds in 38.1 minutes per game. He's shooting 45 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range.
Melo won't be the only Knick participating in this weekend's festivities. Tyson Chandler is also on the Eastern Conference squad, while Steve Novak will compete in the three-point shootout and James White will participate in the slam dunk contest.
Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Chris Bosh will be the other starters for the Eastern Conference. Bosh is replacing the injured Rajon Rondo.
Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul will start for the Western Conference.
The main event of the weekend will tip off on Sunday night at 8:30 p.m.
If he does in fact start, is that just a foolish and selfish move on Melo's part? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
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