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Carmelo Anthony ‘Will Consider’ Possibility of Playing in Place of Injured Kevin Love in All-Star Game if Chosen

New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has been a fixture in the NBA All-Star Game for almost a decade, but in 2016-17, did not make the cut for the first time since 2009.

Anthony, a nine-time All-Star who started in the game the previous seven years, was not among the seven Eastern Conference reserves chosen by coaches around the league. Though Anthony’s scoring numbers remain above 20.0 points per game as they have all of his career, New York’s awful record and his poor shooting percentages may be the reason why other players have overtaken him at his position.

With Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love—who was selected as an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve—missing a few games due to “soreness and effusion” in his left knee, Carmelo Anthony may be the alternative if the injured forward can’t give the game a go.

Anthony, though, isn’t so fond of competing in the All-Star game this season. The stress of recent trade rumors and turmoil in New York has made him want to “utilize [the All-Star Break]” in such a way to get his body and mind back on track.

“I got plans,” Anthony told ESPN. “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 I’d consider it,” admits Anthony. “But I would love to utilize this break.”

Anthony is averaging 23.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in a career low 33.9 minutes per game for the New York Knicks this season. New York sits No. 12 in the Eastern Conference with a 23-33 record.

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