Carmelo Going to All Star Game Anyway

From ESPN.com: "Carmelo Anthony is going to the All-Star Game after all.

	Howard

	Anthony

The NBA's leading scorer was picked by commissioner David Stern on Friday as an injury replacement and will make his first All-Star game appearance on Feb. 18 in Las Vegas.

Anthony said he was not bothered being named as an injury replacement.

'It's still the All-Star Game, it still feels great, and I'm going to make the best out of it.'

Stern also added Dallas forward Josh Howard to the Western Conference team. He needed to replace Houston center Yao Ming and Utah forward Carlos Boozer, who will be unable to play because of injuries.

Anthony averages an NBA-high 30.8 points, but wasn't voted in by the fans and then wasn't chosen as a reserve by West coaches. He was undoubtedly hurt by missing 15 games when Stern suspended him for his role in the brawl at Madison Square Garden in December.

'I was remaining optimistic a little bit,' Anthony said. 'I wish it would have happened earlier. I didn't want to think about it that much, but I'm glad it happened. It's an honor.'

But Stern said he would not consider Anthony's penalty when deciding whether to consider him for a replacement spot.

'I guess it's a forgive and forget type of situation," Anthony said. 'I'm glad he did.'"

To read more, go to ESPN.com