Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony joined the growing list of players expressing doubts over the NBA's decision to hold an All-Star Game on March 7 in Atlanta.
The veteran forward said Friday he thinks it would be foolish and unnecessary for the NBA to follow through with All-Star festivities:
“I don't think it's right,” Anthony said, via Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report. “I don't think we need it.”
Anthony's comments come fewer than 24 hours after LeBron James pushed back on the idea of playing in an All-Star Game. The Los Angeles Lakers star went even further, saying he considered the decision a “slap in the face” to players.
There appears to be a growing sentiment against the All-Star idea. Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox had questioned the league's motives prior to James' statement on Thursday, and Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker said Friday he echoed LeBron's message.
Obviously, Anthony would not be a participant in the exhibition. But he still holds sway as a respected elder statesman in the league.
Carmelo has struggled in the early goings. He is averaging 12.6 points in just over 25 minutes but is also shooting below 40 percent from the field and pulling down only 3.6 rebounds per game.
Anthony has strung things together in the last two games, however, scoring a combined 43 points on 16-for-30 shooting. The 36-year-old also had five assists and four rebounds on Thursday, helping a decimated Portland lineup get the better of the Philadelphia 76ers.
It remains to be seen whether the NBA will be forced to reconsider its position on holding an All-Star Game. But Carmelo Anthony is against the current plan.
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