Joel Anthony is on the NBA All Star Game Ballot
Joel Anthony assumed his always playful teammates were joking when they began congratulating him before Wednesday’s game. “I didn’t know,” Anthony said. “I thought they were joking.”
Yes, it’s hard to believe — even for Anthony — but the Miami Heat’s underappreciated center is on this season’s all-star ballot. A fourth-year pro known for his work ethic and athletic ability, Anthony was one of 12 centers from the Eastern Conference to receive the recognition. Chris Bosh, Wade and James also were on the ballot.
The NBA All-Star Game will be Feb. 26 at Orlando’s new Amway Center. Bosh, Wade and James are perennial all-stars and always appear on the ballot, but Anthony’s presence is somewhat surprising considering his lack of offense.
“I don’t really know what to say,” Anthony said. “I definitely appreciate that kind of appreciation.”
Anthony, a defensive specialist, entered Wednesday’s game against the Pacers averaging 3.3 point and 4.7 rebounds per game. By comparison, Dwight Howard, the odds-on favorite to start at center for the East, is averaging 17.1 points and a league-leading 15.3 rebounds per game.
Still, that disparity in statistics won’t stop Heat fans from voting for Anthony. The fan favorite has one of the best nicknames on the team — The Warden (because he “locks down” the paint) — and receives “MVP” chants whenever he steps to the free-throw line.
Coach Erik Spoelstra cracked a partial smile when asked about Anthony’s presence on the all-star ballot but was sincere with praise of the undersized center. “He is a ‘Mr. Intangible’ player. When we brought him in four years ago, we saw a very rough version of who he is now,” Spoelstra said. “He has earned every single thing that he has gotten in this league.”
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/05/2573280/miami-heats-dwyane-wade-doubtful.html#storylink=cpy
