It was announced tonight that Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony will represent the Western Conference as a starter in this years NBA All-Star Game, which will be held Feb. 14 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
As of today, Melo is averaging a league leading 29.8 points per game to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Anthony received the most votes for any forward in the West – the second time in which he has done so with the last coming in 2008. It will be Anthony’s second start and third overall All-Star appearance after NBA commissioner David Stern named him as an injury reserve in the 2007 NBA mid-season exhibition.
Carmelo has asserted himself as one of the leagues elite players and is finally gaining national support in MVP consideration. He has led the Nuggets to a 27-14 record which is good for third in the Western Conference and puts the Nuggets two games up in the Northwest Division.
Reserves will be named a week from tonight after coaches have the chance to submit their votes. Chauncey Billups will face stiff competition at guard with many talented guards still left without a roster spot. Steve Nash was elected by the fans to start at the position.
Here is the list of starters for this year All-Star Game:
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
Guard: Steve Nash
Guard: Kobe Bryant
Forward: Carmelo Anthony
Forward: Tim Duncan
Center: Amare Stoudemire
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
Guard: Dwyane Wade
Guard: Allen Iverson
Forward: LeBron James (led all NBA players in voting)
Forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Dwight Howard
Extra Nuggets Nugget: Carmelo Anthony was also named the NBA’s Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Monday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Jan. 17. He averaged 29.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.0 apg and 2.00 spg in three games last week. It marked the 10th time in Anthony’s six-year career that he has claimed the honor.
