http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_3489717
And the story:
Billups lands all-star spot; Melo misses
By Marc J. Spears
Denver Post Staff Writer
There will be an NBA all-star from Denver this season, but not in a Nuggets uniform.
Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups, a Denver native, will be officially named a reserve guard for the Eastern Conference all-star team today, an NBA source said. Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony and center Marcus Camby were not selected as reserves, another NBA source said. The reserves will be named today for the Feb. 19 game in Houston.
After Wednesday's loss, Anthony had not yet heard he would not be an All-Star, but said: "I'd be disappointed just knowing how much work I put in. The season moves on. That's all I can say. ... I would (be disappointed), but my position is tough. There are a lot of people at my position."
Billups entered play Wednesday averaging 18.8 points and third in the NBA in assists with 8.4 per game. The nine-year veteran is already being viewed as an MVP candidate as the leader of the team with the league's best record. The former George Washington High School and Colorado star is the first player from Colorado to make the All-Star Game since Boulder's Tom Chambers in 1991 with the Phoenix Suns.
"To be an all-star is a goal of mine," Billups said in a recent interview. "When I came out of college I had three (goals). One was to graduate from college, which I haven't done but I'm in the process. To win a championship. Three is to be an all-star."
Billups was also named as one of the participants for the 3-point shootout on Feb. 18. Defending champion Quentin Richardson also will participate, as will Seattle's Ray Allen, Phoenix's Raja Bell and Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry.
Anthony lost out to a strong field of forwards in the Western Conference, while Camby's candidacy was hurt by missing 15 games with a broken finger.
"I'm more disappointed for Carmelo," Camby said. "He's averaging 26 points per game for the best team in a division. They can say I missed injuries and things like that. Melo has been consistent and has been tearing up the league."
Anthony entered Wednesday's game against Chicago tied as the seventh-highest scorer in the league, averaging 25.7 points. He had stiff competition for a reserve spot from Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett (Minnesota), Shawn Marion (Phoenix), Elton Brand (Los Angeles Clippers) and Pau Gasol (Memphis). Reserves are chosen based on a vote by conference coaches.
