NBA Rumors: Five Reasons Why Carmelo Anthony Should Stay In Denver

Melo Rises Up
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

So much has already been made of this Carmelo Anthony situation.  "Where will he end up?" and "Which team is the best fit for Anthony?" have been the questions circulating. But this slide show will take a different approach, instead focusing on why Carmelo would be best suited to stay in Denver, and also why Denver should increase their efforts to keep 'Melo in town.

Denver Has Already Reached the Conference Finals With This Current Team

Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony

In 2009, the Nuggets took the eventual champion Lakers to six games.  Consider this: the Eastern Conference champions, the Orlando Magic, were only able to push a five game series. This could be interpreted as Denver having been the second best team in the league in 2009. 

Having the finals within sniffing reach is no small accomplishment, and Denver fans can only wonder "What if..." as the Nuggets would have been a formidable opponent for the 2009 Magic, because they have size inside to counteract Dwight Howard's domniance and a four man that is quick enough (Kenyon Martin) to cover Rashard Lewis on the perimeter.

Losing Carmelo Would Hurt Ticket Sales

The Pepsi Center, Packed as usual

While Carmelo Anthony is certainly not the premier name that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are, he is only a notch below them and helps draw crowds to see the Nuggets, both at home and away from the Pepsi Center. 

The Nuggets need Carmelo's star power for their ticket sales and merchandise sales. Losing Carmelo would hurt E. Stanley Kroenke's pocket book, and part of the fun of maintaining a professional sports franchise is at least having one that is profitable.

Anthony Has the Chance to Be One of the Few Who Stick With One Team

2003 NBA draft night

When Denver selected Carmelo Anthony third overall in 2003, fans and management knew that the Syracuse product could be a franchise cornerstone for years to come. 

With so few players actually sticking with the team that drafted them, Melo could become one of the few who does. Going into his eighth season with Denver, he has already formed a strong career as the Nuggets marquee player. Entering his prime and committing to helping Denver win would be more impressive than jumping ship to sign with another team that may have more star power, a la LeBron James.

Contending Teams Are Tough to Build

Denver Sets up On defense

While it may sound exciting to Carmelo to bolt Denver and join forces with Amar'e Stoudemire in New York, there is absolutely no evidence that this would cause the Knicks to contend for a title. 

So few players realize when in the midst of a contending team that the chance to build another is so difficult. Carmelo could plunge himself into a mediocre team and never come within sniffing distance of the NBA finals for the rest of his career.

Moving East to New York Would Only Increase the Difficulty Level in the Playoffs

Carmelo And Wade have a laugh in the 2008 all star game

With Miami potentially becoming a superpower dynasty for years to come, it would be easier to make the finals by remaining in the West. That is not to say the Lakers are some soft pushover, but I do feel Miami would be a tougher opponent in the playoffs, especially if Melo leaves for a less well-rounded team like the Knicks. 

Joining the Magic may make sense, as they have the supporting cast to give Miami a run for their money, but all things considered, staying in the Western Conference may be Melo's best option.

In Conclusion

Melo Power

While so much has been made of where Melo will end up, few have considered it may be best for him and all involved to stay put in Denver. It may not be the most exciting move for Melo, but all things considered, it is probably the wisest choice he could make with regards to his career's legacy and being a committed winning player.