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Anthony Davis disappointed to miss All-Star Game, but focused on health of shoulder, Pelicans making playoff push

NEW YORK CITY – After discussing his options with various members of the New Orleans organization, Anthony Davis made the decision not to participate in any basketball activities at All-Star this weekend. The two-time All-Star power forward is disappointed to have to pull out of the NBA’s annual midseason marquee event, but his sprained right shoulder injury made the choice unavoidable.

“I was just talking to trainers, coaches, Dell (Demps), trying to see which way I should go,” the 21-year-old said on a conference call Thursday morning. “(The shoulder) isn’t ready. We just came to the conclusion that I should pull out and try to get healthy, to be in a position to try to make this (playoff) run (with the Pelicans). I’m definitely blessed to be selected by the fans, and I really wanted to play. I did everything in my power to get back on the floor, but it just wasn’t going to happen in the timeframe. I tried to get the shoulder back to 100 percent, but it’s just not there yet.”

Since Davis sustained the injury Saturday on a hard fall to the hardwood vs. Chicago, New Orleans Coach Monty Williams and Davis’ teammates expressed the opinion that they hoped he’d be able to play in the All-Star Game, even if he missed Pelicans games this week. Davis appreciated the sentiment.

“It means a lot,” Davis said. “They know how blessed I am to be in this situation, to get chosen by the fans (as an All-Star starter). They support every decision that I make. They know I mean well by the (Pelicans). I wanted to do anything I can to help the team. They saw my work ethic trying to get back on the floor. It just means a lot, coming from those guys, to support me, especially when I’m in kind of a tough situation. Everyone wants to play in All-Star, especially with me being a starter for the first time. It’s huge. I have a lot of family coming out, but everyone understands where my shoulder is. They know if I could play, I would.”

Davis will participate in several off-court All-Star activities, including appearances for some of his sponsors and endorsements. Asked how far he is from a full recovery – the Pelicans resume game play Feb. 20 at Orlando – he declined to give a specific percentage.

“I don’t want to say percentages, because I’m not sure,” Davis said. “I’m not a doctor or anything. I know my body. When it gets healthy and it’s time to play again, I’ll definitely be on that floor with my team. It feels a lot better. I still have a ways to go. In this process you don’t want to rush anything, then aggravate or injure something else. So it’s a slow process. I just want to get back to 100 percent so I can get back on the floor with my team.”