New Nugget Allen Iverson could become the franchise’s first All-Star Game starter in 17 years, but he’ll need a boost from the fans.
Iverson, whom the Nuggets acquired from the 76ers last week, had his vote total transferred to the Western Conference. He previously had the most Eastern Conference votes among guards and has 975,319 votes, third best in the West among guards. He needs to catch Houston’s Tracy McGrady (1,057,057) or the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (1,187,505) to become the first Denver All-Star Game starter since Alex English in 1989.
The last Nugget to play in the All-Star Game was forward Antonio McDyess in 2001.
Iverson, a seven-time all-star, has mixed feelings about starting in Las Vegas on Feb. 18.
“I don’t care anything about that,” he said Thursday at the team’s shootaround. “I’ve been a starter in the All-Star Game for seven years, so it’s something I’ve already accomplished.”
After putting more thought into it, Iverson said he would like to represent his new team as a starter. His chances of surpassing Bryant or McGrady appear good because of his popularity and his increased appeal with the Nuggets.
“If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen, and I’ll take my hat off to the guys who get voted in front of me,” Iverson said. “But hopefully, I will get voted in and get a chance to represent Denver.”
Suspended Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is in contention to start. Anthony is fourth among Western Conference forwards with 633,041 votes. Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett leads with 785,865.
Seattle coach Bob Hill won’t hold Anthony’s suspension against him while voting for Western Conference reserves if Anthony is not voted a starter.
“I’m one of those guys who thinks Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame,” Hill said. “(Anthony) actually made a mistake, probably realizes it now. Aside from that I think he’s a great player. He’s still young. So does he deserve to be on the All-Star Team? Absolutely.”
Voting ends Jan. 15 for paper ballots and Jan. 21 for online ballots. Starters will be announced Jan. 25. Coaches will pick the reserve all-stars, and the final lineups will be released Feb. 1.
Camby’s injury
Marcus Camby, out with a broken finger on his right hand, missed his third consecutive game and will not make the trip to Oklahoma City for Friday’s game.
“No timetable,” Camby said of a possible return. “It’s only been a week, and my hand is still broken. It hurts every time I shoot.”
Camby added that his injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. “It’s frustrating now, since we have A.I. here, and I definitely want to get out there and play with him, and especially with J.R. and Carmelo still suspended, and you never know Nene’s (knee) situation.”
Nene did not play Thursday night because of a swollen right knee but was scheduled to make the trip to Oklahoma City.
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
