Can Carmelo Anthony Mature Into a Leader?

When the Denver Nugget's drafted Carmelo Anthony third in the 2003 Draft, many thought he would be the answer to the franchises woe's. 

Four years later, those who thought he was the answer are now more confused than ever.

There is no question that Melo put the Nuggets on the map when he first put on the powder-blue uniform, but he has yet to take control of the team. There have been moments when he has shown that he is ready to take this team to the next level, but they come too little and far between.

Players will always be compared to those drafted or brought into the league with them—Carmelo is no exception. The leadership and game management shown by fellow draft classmates Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are far superior to the leadership skills of Melo.

Many compare Melo to LeBron James. They are very close friends and have the similar ability to take over a game or team as they wish. LeBron has chosen to do so, while Melo is still deciding.

Last year, Melo got the chance to play with one of the best players in the NBA when All-Pro guard Allen Iverson was traded to the Denver Nuggets. He was supposed to be the veteran leader that would take Melo under his wing and make Melo the true leader of the team.

The duo got a late start since Iverson had to play alone for fifteen games, while Melo served his suspension for sucker-punching another player. It is now a year later and nothing has changed. Melo still is amazing on offense and struggles on defense.

The close friendship between Iverson and Melo has made it difficult for Melo to take Iverson as a mentor and not just another teammate.

A true leader is never questioned on his desire to win. When Allen Iverson takes the floor each night, he plays like there is no tomorrow. The same can be said for LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and younger players Brandon Roy and Chris Paul.

When Carmelo takes the floor, some are left to wonder if his heart is really into that particular game. When the game gets away from Melo, he tends to lose control of his desire and rather than play his heart out; he sulks up and down the court for the rest of the game.

Will Melo ever be the leader of this team? The answer is one that has baffled the front office of the Denver Nuggets and sports reporters across the nation.

Denver may have to do what the Boston Celtics did with Paul Pierce. They may have to introduce a proven leader and veteran to the team and let Carmelo play without the responsibility of being the face of a franchise.