New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was voted in as a starter on the Eastern Conference All-Star team. In a development that will surprise no one, Charles Barkley has a problem with that.

Barkley, a noted Knicks agitator, said on Thursday night that Anthony doesn't deserve to start the All-Star Game because the Knicks have struggled so mightily this season.

New York (7-36) has the worst record in the NBA.

"I do have a problem with that," Barkley said on TNT. "I just don't understand. ... If I'm a fan, you have to be honest and realistic."

Anthony edged Washington's Marcin Gortat (647,005 votes to 570,005) for the third and final spot among frontcourt players in the East. He said in a statement posted on the team's website that he is honored to represent New York at Madison Square Garden, which will host the game on Feb. 15.

"For me to be the face of New York, representing New York during All-Star Weekend is a special moment you really can't put into words," Anthony said.

This is Anthony's eighth All-Star appearance. He has the fourth-highest scoring average (21.1 points) in All-Star history, shooting 54 percent from the floor and 42.9 percent behind the arc. Anthony is the 10th player to earn four All-Star selections with two different teams (Denver, New York).

Last year, he scored 30 points, including a record eight 3-pointers in New Orleans.

In 24 games this season, Anthony is scoring 24 points per game on 45 percent shooting to go along with 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

Anthony recently sat out six games to rest his injured left knee. But he has played the past three games following the two-week rest, leading the Knicks to two straight wins this week.

It is unclear how much longer Anthony will be on the floor this season, though. He has said that he will eventually need surgery to repair the knee injury.

There is speculation -- unfounded, so far -- that Anthony will have surgery shortly after the All-Star Game.

This isn't the first time this season that Barkley has been critical of the Knicks.

Last month, Barkley and team president Phil Jackson got into a a war of words over Barkley's critique of the triangle offense.

Question: Do you agree with Barkely? Or do you think Carmelo deserves a spot in the starting lineup?