The Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony will replace the Cavaliers’ Kevin Love in the 2017 NBA All-Star game, the NBA announced on Wednesday, after Love was ruled out for six weeks with a minor knee procedure. This is Anthony’s 10th appearance in the All-Star game in his 14-season career.
Carmelo Anthony replaces Kevin Love in NBA All-Star game, so no ‘rest’ for him
Love is out six weeks with an injury, opening the door for Anthony.
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
Anthony was chosen by NBA commissioner Adam Silver over arguably more deserving candidates in the Eastern Conference — namely, Bradley Beal, who is putting together a career year while staying healthy in Washington. Joel Embiid also has a deserving case, but he is injured and already pulled out of the Rising Stars and Skills Challenges.
However, Anthony obviously has a reputation as an All-Star player. He has played better in the past month or so, averaging 23 points on 44 percent shooting, though his rebounding and assist numbers have both fallen. His addition prevents this from being the first All-Star game where LeBron James didn’t have any of his buddies — his Banana Boat Crew, if you will.
This is a departure from Anthony’s earlier comments, when he said he might skip the game even if invited.
“I got plans,” Anthony said earlier this week. “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.”
Practically, for you and me (the viewers), what this means is we’ll be deluded by Anthony-for-Love trade rumors, especially given Anthony is replacing Love. The NBA got the initial 12 selections in the East correct, but they couldn’t resist having some fun by putting Anthony in the game.
The All-Star game will be played this Sunday, concluding a weekend of festivities.
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