Knicks' Anthony: Saving myself for All-Star Game is 'absurd'

Carmelo Anthony didn't save himself in order to play in the All-Star Game. Or so he claims.

Anthony was upset by the suggestion of him taking games games off to remain healthy for All-Star weekend in New York City, relays Ian Begley of ESPN New York.

"I've played when I wasn't supposed to play, so for people to say that is, that's absurd," Anthony said. 

"(But) I played when I wasn't supposed to play. When people were telling me to sit out, I was fighting against them and still going out there and playing," Anthony added. "It was almost a point in the last couple of days where I wasn't going to participate in All-Star weekend."

Anthony has battled ailing knee issues that have kept him out of 11 games this season and will likely lead Anthony to sit out the remainder of the season. His Knicks, meanwhile, have struggled immensely and currently sport a record of 10-43.

Injuries and team woes aside, Anthony has enjoyed yet another excellent individual season, posting averages of 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists.