The NBA’s leading scorer was a shoo-in for the All-Star Game. The league tonight made it official: Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony was named a starter for the Western Conference.
The Denver forward, who was tabbed a starter in 2008 for the first time, has been leading forwards in voting since first results were announced Dec. 10. He is averaging a league-best 29.8 points a game this season.
“I appreciate it, and I appreciate the fans,” Anthony said before Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. “I’m blessed to be in the game.”
Also on the Western Conference squad is Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, Phoenix guard Steve Nash, San Antonio forward Tim Duncan and Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire.
The All-Star Game will tip off Feb. 14 at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The Eastern Conference starters are: forwards Kevin Garnett, Boston, and LeBron James, Cleveland; center Dwight Howard, Orlando; and guards Allen Iverson, Philadelphia, and Dwyane Wade, Miami.
In the voting released Jan. 7, Anthony led Western Conference forwards with 1,568,259 votes, and Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki was second with 826,130.
Anthony was a coach’s selection for the 2007 event but was not voted in last season mostly due to missing 13 games in December and January because of injuries.
The coaches and reserves will be announced Jan. 28.
In his two all-star appearances, Anthony has averaged 19.0 ppg and 8.0 rpg in 23.5 minutes per game. As a starter in 2008, he had 18 points and seven rebounds.
Anthony becomes only the fourth player in Nuggets history to have been named to three or more NBA all-star teams, joining Alex English (eight), Dikembe Mutombo (three) and David Thompson (three).
Western conference voting
Forwards: Carmelo Anthony (Den) 2,137,560; Tim Duncan (SA) 1,156,696; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 1,093,005; Pau Gasol (LAL) 1,051,784; Kevin Durant (OKC) 870,567; Trevor Ariza (Hou) 645,937; Luis Scola (Hou) 580,243; Ron Artest (LAL) 368,281; Shawn Marion (Dal) 363,516; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 309,497.
Guards: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 2,456,224; Steve Nash (Pho) 1,222,235; Chris Paul (NO) 1,055,789; Tracy McGrady (Hou) 1,022,492; Aaron Brooks (Hou) 591,930; Jason Kidd (Dal) 523,708; Manu Ginobili (SA) 465,211; Chauncey Billups (Den) 452,983; Tony Parker (SA) 439,536; Brandon Roy (Por) 422,290.
Centers: Amare Stoudemire (Pho) 1,824,093; Andrew Bynum (LAL) 981,355; Nene (Den) 364,543; Marc Gasol (Mem) 353,155; Antonio McDyess (SA) 328,717; Al Jefferson (Min) 252,777; Greg Oden (Por) 225,245; Marcus Camby (LAC) 188,240; Emeka Okafor (NO) 182,626; Andris Biedrins (GS) 167,481.
Eastern conference
Forwards: LeBron James (Clev) 2,549,693; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 1,978,116; Chris Bosh (Tor) 1,164,007; Paul Pierce (Bos) 525,677; Josh Smith (Atl) 475,671; Andre Iguodala (Phi) 313,827; Danny Granger (Ind) 309,808; Rashard Lewis (Orl) 302,743; Michael Beasley (Mia) 277,400; Hedo Turkoglu (Tor) 213,369.
Guards: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 2,327,550; Allen Iverson (Phi) 1,269,568; Vince Carter (Orl) 1,048,977; Ray Allen (Bos) 710,045; Derrick Rose (Chi) 571,911; Gilbert Arenas (Was) 545,860; Joe Johnson (Atl) 496,255; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 425,590; Jose Calderon (Tor) 292,909; Mike Bibby (Atl) 223,759.
Centers: Dwight Howard (Orl) 2,360,096; Shaquille O’Neal (Cle) 856,056; Al Horford (Atl) 270,532; Andrea Bargnani (Tor) 265,024; Brook Lopez (NJ) 223,246; Andrew Bogut (Mil) 202,072; Jermaine O’Neal (Mia) 159,327; Rasheed Wallace (Bos) 131,084; Brad Miller (Chi) 102,994; Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 90,278.
Overall voting
1. LeBron James, Cle 2,549,693
2. Kobe Bryant, LAL 2,456,224
3. Dwight Howard, Orl 2,360,096
4. Dwyane Wade, Mia 2,327,550
5. Carmelo Anthony, Den 2,137,560
6. Kevin Garnett, Bos 1,978,116
7. Amare Stoudemire, Pho 1,824,093
8. Allen Iverson, Phi 1,269,568
9. Steve Nash, Pho 1,222,235
10. Chris Bosh, Tor 1,164,007
