Gallo vs. Carmelo: Is the Choice so Obvious?

Well it may not happen after all since Denver front office(actually without the front man) is not so crazy about trading with the Knicks and Carmelo himself has said that it's not NY or bust.

It is reported that declined offer was Gallo, Curry and 2014 first round pick for Anthony.  Of course it is not known that such offer has been officially made.  However one can speculate that it is perhaps the best package Knicks can offer to anybody at the moment.

As a Knick fan, I am glad that Denver has turned it down.

Anthony is arguably the top 5 talent in the league.  Anybody would be crazy not to want him.  But is the choice between Gallo and him such an obvious 'yes'?

Before you answer, hear me out.

March 23, 2010

I think this was one of the defining moments of Gallo's career and the future of the Knicks. 

Gallo was taunted by Carmelo during the third quarter of a close game after getting scored over.  

We all know how some poor young shooting guards who dared to talk back at Michael Jordan and got his wrath that forever destoryed their mental game.

Well, that game proved that Gallo was no spring chicken and Carmelo was no His Baldness.

Gallo talked right back at one of the superstars of the game and backed it up, shot for shot, not conceding an inch. In the end it was Anthony who seemed to succumb to the duel.  

That game showed that Gallo had the character of a fighter long missing from recent Knicks team since the days of Starks, Oakley, Spreewell and LJ., 

Dominique Wilkins

Hey, I love Dominique.  

If you are a basketball fan, it's hard to not root for Dominique.

There are some Jordan haters but Dominique is more difficult to hate,

He also has 0 rings.  I would have love to see him win one or two and the fact that he is ring-less is not all his fault.  But still...

He was one of the most prolific scorer in NBA history.  Scoring at will, in bunches. 

There's problem with pure scorers. Sometimes they make clutch shots and make their team and teammates better.  Sometimes they make their teammates watch.

I think Anthony's style is like that of Dominique.  He is fun to watch.  You love his game.  He is a stud. But is Denver's success similar to that of Atlanta's when Wilkins was there, good but never great enough?

Pure Shooter vs. Pure Scorer

In today's game, pure shooters are much harder to find. 

6' 10" small forward who can shoot from anywhere is a true rarity.  

And he wants to be great at defense, at rebounding and in all aspects of the game.  He wants to win and he loves New York.  

Carmelo is an awesome talent.  He is still improving. His defense and his outside shooting needs to get better.

They are both going to be stars in this league.

Carmelo is better now and maybe will be in the future.  But a polished shooter at such a young age is an asset that you just don't give up

.... even for a talent such as Anthony.

Room to Improve

In 2010, Gallo averaged 15.1 points 4.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks (which amazingly, led the team).  It is not astounding superstar figure, but 2010 was, for Gallo, essentially a rookie season. He never got to any rhythm in his play during the 2009 season.

And as a rookie that's a promising stat.  Brandon Jennings had 15.5 points, 5.7 assists and 1.2 steals a game. And Gallo showed at times he can be dominating and take over the game.  He is a fighter and wants to become better.

He has asked to play opponents' best player night in and night out. He may not fool anybody with his footwork but he wants to be a great defender.  He has looked to rebound and drove more consistently to the basket.  

He may just be a shooter now but may end up becoming the next Dirk Nowitzki.

Extend and Trade

If Carmelo is traded, he would certainly want to make the best deal for himself and that is to sign the extension offered by Denver for 3 years at 65million and then get traded to the team of his choice.

And it means he will be accounted for about 22million per year towards the cap.That's 5million more than Amare, 8million more than LeBron.  If new CB is anything like what has been speculated, 22 million would mean 150% current max salary.

I'd pay the best center in the NBA or the best point guard that kind of money.  I'd pay Kobe and LeBron that kind of money.  

But Carmelo?

He is exciting and one of the best talent in the NBA. 

Maybe a max player.

Sure Denver is desperate and would shell out arms and legs.

But not at 22million per year.  He should almost guarantee a championship for that kind of money.  It will severely hamper Knicks' in 2012 free agency. Knicks are in need of a superstar.but should keep a cool head here.

Way to Build a Team

Knicks have promising young core in Stoudmire, Gallinari, Randolph, Chandler, Douglas, Mozgov and Felton.  They will improve and build teamwork.

Knicks will have cap room next year and the year after.  They will look for needs and bring in pieces to the puzzle.

Knicks will have flexibility and assets to maneuver.

For the first time in many years, Knicks have options and choices.

And in the middle of all ... is Gallo, the best of the future.

Conclusion

Keep Gallo.  

Give him a chance.  Let him develop.

He is going to be special and is going to be our own.

He has good physical tools, skills and a big heart. 

Anthony is a sure talent but not a sure championship.

If the Knicks can bring him in without giving up Gallo, great.  But not in excahnge.

What if Anthony does not pan out? What will Knicks do with 22million baggage?

Gallo presents more options.

And in the end, all you can ask in life is that you have options.