Nuggets' Anthony hand is broken, spirit isn't
Rocky Mountain News
Published January 6, 2009 at 1:02 p.m.
Photo by Dennis Schroeder © The Rocky
Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony found out Tuesday he has a broken bone in his hand and will miss three-to-four weeks due to the injury.
Photo by Joshua Duplechian © Special to The Rocky
.Denver's Carmello Anthony winces as he shoots a free throw Monday night .
Nobody told Carmelo Anthony during Monday's game he had a broken right hand. He sure didn't look like a player with one.
The Nuggets forward hurt his shooting hand early in the third quarter against Indiana. All he did after that was score 15 points in 11 minutes while making 6-of-7 shots.
"In some ways, I'm glad nobody did tell me it was broken," Anthony said.
Anthony was told Tuesday the hand is broken, which is what X-rays after the game revealed likely was the case.
The Nuggets announced he will miss three to four weeks with a nondisplaced third metacarpal fracture, although Anthony said "hopefully, the healing process will be a lot quicker."
Seeing how the gritty Anthony played despite the injury in the 135-115 win against the Pacers, it seems wise to listen when Anthony says he hopes to return as soon as possible.
"Four weeks, that's the doctor's statement," said Anthony, who Tuesday saw hand specialist Dr. Carlton Clinkscales, who confirmed the break and outfitted Anthony with a red splint. "That's what they said. They got to say that. It all depends on my body and how fast I heal. Three is the best."
Anthony said he's "disappointed." But he said the "good news is I didn't have to get no surgery," which would have sidelined him longer.
If Anthony is out three weeks, he would miss eight games, but seven are at home. That's one reason the Nuggets are trying not to get too down about the injury.
"Deep down inside, you're worried," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "Yet, in the same sense, things like this happen. My feeling is the team is in a good place (24-12) and, with the home court, if there's an injury, it comes at a good time with the schedule."
Karl said the injury could help Anthony's right elbow heal. Anthony, averaging a team-high 21.1 points, missed three games in late December because of a right elbow contusion and said it remains sore.
"With this break, the elbow and the tendinitis could become under control and stronger and healthy when he comes back," Karl said.
Karl said he hasn't decided who will start in Anthony's place tonight against Miami at the Pepsi Center. The candidates are J.R. Smith, who started the three games Anthony missed last month, Linas Kleiza and Chucky Atkins.
Karl said the sparingly used Atkins, because of sound practice habits, could start at shooting guard, with Dahntay Jones sliding to small forward.
Karl said he might use the starting spot as a reward and might rotate it depending on matchups.
After Anthony went down, the Nuggets called up swingman Sonny Weems from the NBA Development League's Colorado 14ers, for whom he averaged 18 points. While Weems mostly is an insurance policy, Karl said his play has "been very positive."
Asked about the chances of the Nuggets soon making a trade, Karl said, "My gut feeling is probably not."
Other players will have to step up during Anthony's absence.
"I want to score 60," cracked Kleiza, who added more seriously the Nuggets must "focus with what we got on the court."
Guard Chauncey Billups is confident the Nuggets will do that.
"It hurts," Billups said of Anthony's absence. "He's our best player. That's our No. 1 option. . . . But J.R. is really playing well. L.K. is really playing well."
Still, Anthony is the name Dick Vitale was hoping to call tonight. The Hall of Famer has been looking forward to tonight's game, in which Vitale will serve as an
ESPN analyst as part of a network scenario of college and pro announcers switching places.
"I was preparing so many stories to tell about when (Anthony) made his debut and what he did at Syracuse," said Vitale, who broadcast Anthony's first college game in November 2002. "That's a tough break for Carmelo."
But Anthony, who also missed the season's first two games because of suspension, isn't seeking pity.
"I'm good," said Anthony, who agreed rest could help the elbow. "I don't want nobody feeling bad for me. Injuries happen in this sport and I'm going to make this time the best time that I can just by rehabbing."
Anthony must wear a splint he can take off to get some mobility in his hands and fingers. Then, after one to 11/2 weeks, he can shed the splint.
Eventually, Anthony will be told the hand no longer is broken. Not that anybody will be able to notice a difference by his play.
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January 6, 2009
1:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
kmeissner writes:
Atkins starting for Melo? No way! Put JR in there like the last time Melo was hurting and we'll be fine. If you have Atkins and Carter on the floor at ANY point we are going to give up a ton of points.
At least Melo doesn't need surgery. That's a plus.
January 6, 2009
1:48 p.m.
Suggest removal
spokenwar writes:
Dear Mr. Anthony,
Please rest up. The hand will heal. The elbow will heal. Buy some new suits. We'll miss you...
Us
January 6, 2009
1:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
FatTony writes:
Let me get this straight George. You want to start 2 point guards...and one of those point guards, you haven't even given the light of day on the court all season?!!?
January 6, 2009
2:10 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrYeahBut writes:
Man...I hope this doesn't put a serious dent in Nugs chances of winning the division. We NEED a high seed this year...NEED!!! I can't think about another first round loss to the Lakers...or not even making the playoffs.
January 6, 2009
2:14 p.m.
Suggest removal
lsider writes:
we should start kleiza and jr and play them both about 40 minutes. if you want to give atkins a chance than take those minutes from chauncy and ac. we can back kleiza up with balkman and jr with jones.
January 6, 2009
2:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Marshdale writes:
Wow! What a bunch of dark shadows you guys are. You all seem to hate Karl. I'm not sure why. I have watched every game this season. The record speaks for itself.
January 6, 2009
2:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
lynnie62 writes:
I say start JR but who am I? I think we will be ok now that we have Chauncy to help out.
January 6, 2009
2:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
wj_nugs writes:
Some of us are critical of GK because of his rotations and limited bench. Some of us are critical of GK because he doesn't stand up for his players, such as getting a 'T' or publicly diminishing a players confidence during his post-game comments (i.e. JR). How would starting Atkins make any sense at all? Here's an idea, how about starting Balkman??!!! Anyone catch the Kings game when Melo was out?
January 6, 2009
2:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
MrYeahBut writes:
Marshdale,
I don't "hate" GK...but he's not my favorite either.
I think most people want to see him have post-season success before they're ready to jump on the GK bandwagon.
He's had a very talented team since he's been here and has yet to create a stir in the playoffs. If it doesn't happen soon (maybe even this year) he may be following Mr. Shanahan out of town (still dissapointed about that).
January 6, 2009
2:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
chill134 writes:
Atkins shouldn't step foot on the floor, ever. Use JR and Kleiza and we'll be okay.
January 6, 2009
2:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
omalley5280 writes:
The Nuggets roate JR and Klieza with Mello now and I don't think it matters who starts. And of course this means minutes for Balkman and Atkins. I think the Nugs will be able to replace Mello's points. And best case senario Atkins and Balkman play well so we can trade either or both for some legit front line help. Everyone who posts seems to want Karl out. We shall see how he does now that he doesn't have a superstar to hide his poor decision making. He has to be smarter now with his substitutions, or all the Karl haters will have a much louder voice.
January 6, 2009
3:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
pietrojoe writes:
wj__nuggs writes: " Some of us are critical of GK because he doesn't stand up for his players, such as getting a 'T' or publicly diminishing a players confidence during his post-game comments (i.e. JR)."
Did you watch the game last night? George got a technical on a goal tending call on Anderson. It was clearly the right call, but George was sick and tired of his players getting the shaft so he did what was necessary. He is constantly on the officials for his guys, he just does so in a more composed manner than other NBA coaches.
As far as diminishing a players confidence, I could not disagree with you more. I think everyone would agree that J.R. was irresponsible on the court last year and in years past. He has improved significantly, and George has been his biggest fan, lauding his efforts in the media. So, I would say his public ribbings dramatically imprvoved JR's game because he came back better than ever.
Plus, nobody wants a softy. You have to tell it like it is, and George does that.
You should really check your facts before you post grossly inaccurate statements.
January 6, 2009
3:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
POTES writes:
George, put Balkman in the game & let him show you what he can do, if you give the man a chance, you might see that he's not all that bad, but to put Chucky in the game, you are really trying to sabatosh our squad. You have talent on your bench, you just don't give the guys enough time on the floor to see what potential they have or help they can bring to the team.
January 6, 2009
3:15 p.m.
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jsppro1 writes:
I say start LK, if he plays well that will increase his trade value down the line. He has been playing well as of late. JR off the bench is good for him now. He's still a little out of control at time. I here alot of Balkman talk and I agree he should get more playing time. However, is that the answer? The Nuggets need more size no matter how much he plays. As far as fire Karl? I would agree but the team is what, 23 - 12, leading the division, Hummm!
With Melo out, lets try and give the team FULL support, Go Nuggets.
January 6, 2009
5:29 p.m.
NMNugsfan writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 6, 2009
8:50 p.m.
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johnson writes:
So does he get to collect workman's comp?
January 6, 2009
9:21 p.m.
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MrYeahBut writes:
johnson,
I'm willing to bet he makes more riding the bench for the next month than you and I combined for the next five years.
January 6, 2009
10:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
ONEman writes:
pietrojoe writes: George got a technical on a goal tending call on Anderson. It was clearly the right call, but George was sick and tired of his players getting the shaft so he did what was necessary.
You must really been kidding me right? That Technical is about 2 months late. A technical should come form a coach on a bad call. Why waste it on a call that's gonna be points anyway? You dumbazzes who are on here defending Karl because of the record are too much. What else can you say good about his coaching? He doesn't deserve credit for the wins, the players earned those while Dumb George slept. We win despite his bad coaching.Think how much better our record would be with an actual coach who coaches and makes adjustments during a game. If you can't talk real basketball talk about the team, then just wear your little baby blue hoodie when you go out and keep your little cheerleading opinions to yourself. While those of who watch the games and understand the sport talk real hoops talk.
You can like Karl if you want, but don't give us a hard time for wanting a coach who wants to coach.
January 6, 2009
11 p.m.
ONEman writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 7, 2009
12:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
avsfan71085 writes:
Start J.R give him the legitimate chance to be 'the man' give him the confidence he needs to become the player we know he can be. I know it will be a demotion once Anthony is back, but the confidence he could gain by being in the starting line up for 3 weeks straight will carry over. But I digress, Karl will screw it up.
January 7, 2009
2:09 a.m.
Suggest removal
Bigg_Nuggets writes:
I don't care who plays with Melo out as long as it isn't George's love-child, Anthony Carter. Atkins is a better ball player than AC. I just don't understand the love affair. AC needs to move down the depth chart. The Philly game proved Atkins is the superior player, and then he sat out game after game. I don't get it. Balkman is a great hustle player, but he is a turnover waiting to happen when he tries to go outside of his role. I think it is time to start JR and Linas with Chauncey, Martin and Nene. Bring Chucky off the bench as soon as JR goes into turnover mode (at least once a game) or Jones if defense is needed followed finally by AC. Anderson has been decent and he can play for either K-Mart or Nene for defensive presence. Balkman in when you need a spark.
January 7, 2009
2:29 a.m.
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jugdish writes:
Man, if the Nugs didn't have bad luck they'd have no luck at all.
January 7, 2009
10:38 a.m.
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FatTony writes:
@Marshdale
Yeah, you can say I hate Karl. The record doesn't speak for itself. Chauncy Billups speaks for the current record. What's Karls playoff record in Denver? How well do we do against good teams? Do you actually pay attention to his strategy? You should...
January 7, 2009
1:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
jscarp writes:
Lets see...
N.O. Hornets play against the Portland Trailblazers & Win.
N.O. Hornets play the Nugs & Lose.
N.O. Hornets play against the LA Lakers & Win.
But the national press still gives us no chance to make any noise in the playoffs.
Go Nugs prove em all wrong....
January 7, 2009
3:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
jersey writes:
Johnson: You had better believe that he will and rightfully so. It may be a game but it's still his occupation. MrYeahBut: "Willing to bet he will make more riding the bench etc."? You think? Talk about your sure bets! Marshdale: You must be new to this forum. No disrespect but you stated you have watched every game this season and yet do not understand our disenchantment with "Clueless" "Doughboy" George? You might want to have your TV's resolution checked for clarity. Records can be misleading as to their attainment. If I've said it once I've said it a thousand times. For all the above mentioned deficiencies, and then some, we win in spite of him and not because of him!
January 7, 2009
4 p.m.
Suggest removal
Catalan writes:
Hope that the Nuggets are still at the top of the divison when Melo returns.