After finishing eighth in frontcourt voting (combined fan, media, and player vote) for the Eastern Conference All-Stars this season, there's a very real possibility that Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks could be left out entirely as a snub once the coach-selected reserves are revealed on Thursday.
Then again, not being able to step on the floor in New Orleans for the midseason exhibition on Feb. 19 wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, says Anthony.
"I don’t know, whatever happens at this point will happen," Anthony said, according to the New York Post's Marc Berman. "If they vote me in, I’ll take it with an honor. If they don’t, I’ll take it as an honor, as well. At this point, it really doesn’t matter. If something happens and coaches don’t vote me in, I’ll definitely take advantage of a seven-day break."
Anthony was a starter on the roster for the past seven years, but that streak ended this season with LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, and Giannis Antetokounmpo getting the spotlight for the East. The fans (50 percent of total vote) and players (25 percent) had the 32-year-old forward ranked sixth on the final ballots, while Anthony didn't even crack the top 10 with the media (25 percent).
While there's no way of knowing why select members of the media didn't hold him in as high regard, there's always a possibility his recent (and numerous) headlines with team president Phil Jackson concerning his long-term future in The Big Apple may have rubbed some voters the wrong way.
His numbers should certainly have Anthony under strong consideration for one of the seven bench spots, as he's averaging 22.5 points on 43.3 percent shooting, six rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 0.9 steals with a usage rate of 28.9 in 44 appearances. New York is currently in free fall in the standings at 19-26, though, sitting three games back of the Chicago Bulls for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Ultimately, should the face of the Knicks find himself on the team, he'll continue to enjoy the spectacle of the event just like he always has.
"For me to say it’s not a great experience and I have a good time, I always have a great time for All-Star weekend," he added. "It’s fun. Fans are there. Players are there. You get an opportunity to relax and have fun."
