Report: Carmelo Anthony avoiding Knicks bench for fear of injury

Carmelo Anthony has been spotted regularly at Madison Square Garden of late, but he's yet to take a seat on the New York Knicks' bench.

The superstar underwent patella tendon debridement surgery on Feb. 19, ending his 2014-15 season but likely having him ready for the start of next season. Anthony is expected to resume basketball activities in June, but he's been around MSG to speak to teammates and receive treatment.

The reason Anthony hasn't joined his teammates on the bench, if a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post is to be believed, is a weird one: a Knicks official says Anthony is afraid of a player crashing into the bench and causing him injury.

Seriously.

Anthony not only doesn't sit on the bench, but leaves the arena before tip-off. It's hard to blame him, given the Knicks are 14-61, and he probably has a better viewing setup at home than in the locker room.