Now that Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has been passed over as a starter for the All-Star Game, players and coaches have openly wondered if the Nuggets could be shut out altogether.
“I would hope that we get some representation at the All-Star Game,” Nuggets coach George Karl said.
Reserves will be announced Thursday, and Anthony has the best shot of being named to his third consecutive all-star team. Anthony’s averages of 21 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists are all in the same range of Phoenix forward Amar’e Stoudemire’s, though Anthony, who is injured, dropped from second to fifth in the final fan voting.
Karl said he will call coaches on behalf of his players — guard Chauncey Billups is the other candidate — and may send e-mails to campaign that someone gets a reserve spot.
Billups, who came to Denver via trade with Detroit on Nov. 5, has an uphill climb. He was ranked 11th in the final voting, and though Houston’s Tracy McGrady may not play due to injury, there still are Phoenix’s Steve Nash, San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker and Portland’s Brandon Roy out there.
The only other competition at forward for Anthony is Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki. Both could be added as reserves.
“I’m pretty sure they have to (take a Nuggets player),” Anthony said. “We’re still leading the division. We still have one of the best records in the West. So I’m pretty sure they are going to take that into consideration.
“At that point, it really doesn’t matter. If the coaches feel like I deserve to be on there, then that’s their choice. If they pick Chauncey, then I take my hat off. Chauncey came here and helped us turn this thing around.”
Anthony’s spirits were boosted Thursday when doctors cleared him for oncourt work. Anthony fractured his hand Jan. 5 and was expected to miss three to four weeks. He has healed quicker than expected and took part in his first workout apart from the team Thursday afternoon.
“It feels a lot better,” Anthony said. “I was surprised to be able to go out there and do what I did (Thursday).”
Anthony said he is still targeting the Jan. 30 home game against Charlotte for his return and would not try to come back sooner. He said there still is pain when he catches a pass. “I don’t want to try to push it,” he said. “It’s only been two weeks.”
The Nuggets are 4-3 since his injury. While fans have gotten to see Anthony’s array of new suits, the forward has seen some of the Nuggets’ deficiencies from his seat.
“We’re moving into the right direction,” Anthony said. “Some things that we do need to work on (are) spacing the court. But I think once I get back, me sitting on the sidelines seeing that can help that out.”
Footnotes. Guard Dahntay Jones (shoulder) is improving and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Utah. . . . Karl’s son, Coby, has signed to play in Spain. But he may have had a chance to stay in the United States. In a cruel twist of fate, Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry inquired about signing Karl two hours after the guard had signed to play overseas. Karl chose to honor his commitment to the Spanish team.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
