New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Earned His All-Star Spot
During a season of tough losses for the New York Knicks and constant trade rumors, Carmelo Anthony has earned his All-Star spot in New Orleans.
Carmelo Anthony‘s 2016-17 season so far has been anything but normal, with the constant threat of possibly being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kevin Love.
His relationship with New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has fallen apart with little room for repair as the team barely remains relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Anthony was not originally selected this year’s All-Star Game in New Orleans, but due to the recent injury to Love, he will be making his 10th appearance.
The news broke in the middle of the Knicks’ 116-105 loss to Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Anthony scored 19 of his 30 points in the first quarter, but still wasn’t enough as the Knicks fell to a record of 23-34 heading into the All-Star Break.
Anthony was caught by surprise with the All-Star news as he explained to reporters earlier in the week about originally planning to spend the week resting with family.
"“I got plans, I would love to take this break and just utilize this break and my body and my mind and just get away from everything. I could utilize this break. If they call me, I’d consider it, but I would love to utilize this break.”"
His tune quickly changed after receiving the news discussing the overall enjoyment the weekend brings to fans after the loss in Oklahoma City.
.@carmeloanthony on attending All-Star Weekend with @kporzee and @willyhg94. #NYKvsOKC #Knicks pic.twitter.com/Vn8jKA6I6l
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 16, 2017
There were several different names that were considered for the vacant All-Star spot including Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards and Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat.
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Anthony proved he deserved the spot just a bit more the rest because of his recent surge in play leading the Knicks in scoring at 23.2 points per game and knocking down clutch shots at the end of games.
It’s also important to note and merit the calm demeanor Anthony has shown with all the rumors circling about trading him for over two months.
The meetings and subtweets of Phil Jackson would have led many players to lash out at the organization publicly instead of taking the high road.
Dealing with the New York media is a job with in itself and Anthony has continued to remain positive about the team’s performance without throwing teammates under the bus. Anthony recently expressed to reporters his doubts that a trade will happen before the deadline.
"“Like I told you all before, nothing came to me, nothing came to my table for me to look at, Until that time comes, then they don’t need for me to even talk about the trade clause.”"
The relationship with budding star Kristaps Porzingis has been an important factor in the Knicks future growth. Porzingis has relied on Anthony’s mentorship and recently spoke with the media about his relationship with Anthony staying with the Knicks.
"“He’s been a great example for me. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with him day-to-day, learn from him, talk to him, be friends with him. Obviously it would be really tough for us to lose him. That’s it.”"
Anthony will have a chance to add to his All-Star game numbers as he continues to strive for his first game MVP award. His electrifying 30-point performance back in the 2014 All-Star Game also took place in New Orleans.
| Season | Tm | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-07 | DEN | 25:10 | 10 | 15 | .667 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 20 | ||
| 2007-08 | DEN | 21:38 | 8 | 17 | .471 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | .667 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 18 | |
| 2009-10 | DEN | 28:59 | 13 | 22 | .591 | 1 | 4 | .250 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 27 |
| 2010-11 | DEN | 22:44 | 4 | 10 | .400 | 0 | 1 | .000 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | |
| 2011-12 | NYK | 30:20 | 7 | 15 | .467 | 0 | 3 | .000 | 5 | 7 | .714 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
| 2012-13 | NYK | 30:30 | 8 | 14 | .571 | 3 | 7 | .429 | 7 | 9 | .778 | 5 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 |
| 2013-14 | NYK | 30:06 | 10 | 18 | .556 | 8 | 13 | .615 | 2 | 2 | 1.000 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 30 |
| 2014-15 | NYK | 30:16 | 6 | 20 | .300 | 2 | 13 | .154 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 14 | |
| 2015-16 | NYK | 22:56 | 6 | 11 | .545 | 1 | 5 | .200 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 13 | |
| Career | 243 | 72 | 142 | .507 | 15 | 46 | .326 | 16 | 22 | .727 | 33 | 72 | 11 | 5 | 3 | 10 | 12 | 175 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/16/2017.
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All-Star Weekend will be a chance for Anthony to reboot his mind and enjoy the festivities while giving Knicks fans a hometown hero to cheer on in the game.