Nuggets report: Anthony waiting

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 4, 2009 at 12:06 a.m.

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Passed-over Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is waiting to see if he'll be needed as an injury replacement before making plans for the Feb. 13-15 All-Star Weekend.

"I ain't got no choice but to be open," Anthony said.

Anthony said he hasn't thought about any chance starting Western Conference guard Chris Paul could be replaced after suffering a mild groin strain. New Orleans officials believe the guard will play.

Nuggets coach George Karl called Anthony the top candidate if a West injury replacement is needed.

"He's the best small forward in the Western Conference," Karl said. "The roster is unbalanced (with five power and no small forwards). . . . They need a small forward. He's healthy and he's ready to go."

If Paul were to miss the All-Star Game, Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups would be a candidate for his first start.

HITTING THE ROAD

With the Nuggets playing their next eight games on the road, Karl sees an opportunity to bond.

"We've talked in the last week or 10 days about the next step," he said. "Most of it's in mental toughness and camaraderie or unity."

HUNTER STAYS

Nuggets center Steven Hunter, out all season because of right knee trouble, said early March was the soonest he could return.

Hunter didn't go on the trip. He said he has a routine appointment today in Vail with Dr. John Steadman, who performed knee surgery on him Nov. 14.

• February 4, 2009

  9:16 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  jersey writes:

  Melo if the call comes don't answer it unless you have an incentive in your contract to make the event. Even if you do weigh the risk. Your nightly attendance is needed by the Nuggs far more than a 3 hour national audience who could care less as to our going deep into the playoffs and hopefully beyond! Rest and strengthen the wrist as much as possible.

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