Carmelo Anthony: Odds He Ends Up With the New Jersey Nets
Almost out of the blue, star forward Carmelo Anthony made it very clear that he is interested in taking his services elsewhere this past summer.
Initially, one will immediately question as to why he feels this is necessary? Is George Karl’s health situation worse than it seems (maybe being forced into a premature retirement)? Does Melo feel that the Nuggets’ title chances have significantly dimmed with the Lakers getting stronger yet again this past off-season and an older Chauncey Billups? Is it simply too cold and too hard to play at least forty-one home games in the Mile High City?
One thing is for certain, with Melo’s free agency future on the horizon, the Nuggets will absolutely try to avoid what Chris Bosh did to the Raptors this past summer. Instead of seeing their blue-chip player walk away then seeing the city erupt in flames the way Cleveland did a couple months ago with LeBron, the Nuggets will evidently be forced into getting something of value in return for him – ideally sooner rather than later.
There are plenty of teams that can offer attractive pieces to the Nuggets, and the New Jersey Nets are certainly one of them. The Nets have plenty of young talent, but are in search of a bona fide star player who can be a go-to scorer as well as get butts in the seats.
Anthony fits that bill, and then some, and principal owner Mikhail Prokhorov appears to be prepared to do anything in his power to make this team respectable again. The problem is, rumor has it that the Nuggets won’t part with Anthony unless they get at least All-Star in the making Brook Lopez in return. It’s definitely a reasonable offer, but one that will probably not happen. With a promising front court in Lopez and #3 draft pick Derrick Favors, the Nets are already set at the 4 and 5 spots.
Let’s be honest though—Carmelo is a big-time upgrade over the Nets projected starter at the small forward spot, Travis Outlaw. With quickness at the guard spot in Devin Harris, muscle and fearlessness in Anthony, and a post presence in Favors (maybe not starting out, but over time, probably), the Nets could form a three-headed trio that, while not up to the level of the Miami Heat’s menacing beast, could still prove to be a formidable threat out East. That said, I fully admit this is an entirely idealistic and out-there point of view (but come on, you can sort of buy into it, right?).
It seems like both the Nets and the Nuggets have interest in getting a deal done. It all comes down to the Nets decision concerning Lopez. One could make the argument that great centers don’t come around that much anymore, and Lopez is on well on his way to becoming one.
On the flip side of that, many title teams in the past have gotten away with a three-headed monster and a serviceable center. The 05’, 07’ Spurs and ’08 Celtics come to mind initially (although now Kendrick Perkins has proven to be one of the most under-appreciated big men in the league). It’s a tough call, and one that the Nets will undoubtedly ponder for a little while before coming to a conclusion. Lopez’s length, age, and attitude are all positives for the future, especially when you pair that with Favors.
If the Nets are somehow able to part with him and Prokhorov is able to convince Melo to sign an extension before coming over (which is almost a necessity at this point for any team) – I say the Nets are a better team for it, although one can also understand them passing on the possibility as well.
Personally, I think the Nets did a lot of things right this past summer. I’m already a fan of Prokhorov and he seems like he’s committed to turning this team around, and hiring Avery Johnson as their Head Coach was irrefutably a stroke of genius.
Right now though, it’s anyone’s guess as to where Melo will go at this point. He might even decide to stay home at Denver (although this appears doubtful at this point). As far as percentages go that this trade actually happens, what the heck, let’s go with a 30 percent chance.
That’s my best guess. What’s yours?
