Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said today he was a little bit surprised after hearing he came up short to Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire in votes to start in the All-Star game.
But Anthony took the news in stride, and said if he was voted a starter he would have given the spot away to Stoudemire anyway. The All-Star Game is Feb., 15 in Phoenix.
“He’s in Phoenix. It’s his All-Star game,” Anthony said. “If I was a starter I would probably give him my starting spot anyway.”
Anthony led the voting at the time of the last update, on Jan. 8. But he has not played a game since Jan. 5 due to a fractured hand, which he thinks may have taken a toll. Also, Stoudemire launched an internet campaign on that may have helped his cause.
Anthony, who could still be added to the roster as a reserve, is averaging 21.1 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game this season. Stoudemire is averaging 21.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.
“I was behind him (in votes) anyway, from the beginning,” Anthony said. “Then I took the lead. And now he’s back on top. It is what it is. It’s in Phoenix. It’s there for him.”
TNT will officially announce the starters tonight at 6 p.m.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
