Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: Was 50-Point Frenzy His Last Big Game As a Nugget?
The NBA trade deadline is getting closer, and Carmelo Anthony is still a Denver Nugget. He dropped 50 points against the Houston Rockets last night, but Denver still lost.
The 50 points tied a career high for Anthony. It now raises the question, was that his last big show for Denver?
No one really knows for sure if it is or isn't. Anthony is clearly capable of doing it again, but will it ever happen? I believe he'll score that much again, but I have no idea what uniform he'll be wearing. Well, I have an idea, but whether it's right or not is the question.
Here are five reasons last night was his last big game for Denver, and five reasons it was not.
Yes, Because He Will Be Traded
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It was his last big game as a Denver Nugget because he will soon be wearing a different uniform. Denver will say good-bye to Anthony before the trade deadline.
They have been trying to trade him for a while now. Denver was close to sealing a deal with the New Jersey Nets until their owner Mikhail Prokhorov pulled the Nets out of the deal.
Anthony can reject any trade Denver suggests, but I don't see him turning down the chance to be dealt to New York or LA. Denver just needs the right offer. And it will happen.
Yes, Carmelo Did It For Show
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Anthony said he was feeling it last night. His shot was just on, and he kept scoring.
Anthony knows he is on his way out of Denver, so he put on a show one last time for the home crowd. He also dropped 50 to show everyone he's still got it.
He made a statement last night. Anthony told the NBA that he can still ball and any team is lucky to have him.
Yes, Because He'll Stop Caring
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Carmelo Anthony scored 50 points and the Nuggets still lost. How do you think he feels about that? I know he was shooting the ball a lot, but his teammates couldn't help him out. If you don't feel good about your shot, don't shoot it. Pass it to Anthony. That's what they should have done last night.
The Nuggets are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference, and if he isn't traded Anthony may not play as hard as he could be. I can't blame him for that. Even if he won't officially say it, we all know he wants out of Denver. If he isn't moved there is a strong possibility he just won't care anymore.
Yes, Because He Won't Be That Hot Again
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Was it a fluke? Absolutely not. This was the second time Anthony has scored 50 points in a game. He is a great athlete and one of the best players currently in the NBA.
However, his days as a Nugget are getting thinner, and he won't be on fire like that again anytime soon.
Yes, Because His Teammates Will Contribute More
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Anthony's teammates let him down last night. He was on fire, and they couldn't help him get the victory.
This will change.
His teammates are aware of the situation at hand. If they play better, maybe Anthony will turn down all trades and remain a Nugget. He would be ecstatic to see his teammates scoring more and playing better defense.
No, Because He Won't Be Traded
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Last night was not his last big game for the Nuggets because Carmelo may not be traded before the deadline.
Denver still has a chance to increase their position in the Western Conference and Anthony can help them. If they don't trade him, Anthony will continue to do his thing and score.
Maybe they'll win next time.
No, Because Carmelo is a Phenomenal Scorer
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Anthony is averaging 24.6 points a game this season. He has scored 30 or more points 15 times this season.
He can take it to the hoop or beat you with his jumper. Anthony excels at putting the ball in the basket.
Wherever he goes, Carmelo won't stop scoring.
No, Because He is All Denver Has
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Without Anthony, the Denver Nuggets are nothing.
If they keep him on the team he will continue to score big night after night. As long as Anthony is on the floor, the Nuggets have a chance to win.
In the seven games Carmelo did not play this season the Nuggets only won three. Their opponents in those games? Toronto, Minnesota, and Portland. All teams ranked in the lower half of the league.
No, Because He Wants To Exit With Style
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If the Denver Nuggets do not trade him, Anthony is likely to leave via free agency.
He'll finish out this season and he'll average above 20 points a game because that's how he rolls. He's that good.
Anthony will want to do big things at least one more time. If they don't trade him the rest of the season then becomes a tryout for other teams. How good is he? He'll show you.
Denver still has Boston, San Antonio, Miami, Dallas, and the Lakers still on its schedule. If he's still on the team, Anthony will show up big in at least one of those games.
No, Because Denver is Fighting for a Playoff Spot
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If it keeps Anthony, Denver will make the playoffs this year. They are currently in seventh place and can still improve their seed.
Anthony will continue to score and contribute for Denver because he's a good guy. Denver has been great to him and even though this is likely his last season with them he's still going to want to play post season basketball.
Conclusion
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If Carmelo Anthony is traded, this will have been his last big game as a Denver Nugget. The trade deadline is only 16 days away and in that time the Nuggets play seven games. While there's a chance he could drop 50 again, I don't see it happening before the deadline.
If Carmelo is not traded, this was not his last huge scoring frenzy for Denver. He'll have the second half of the season to go crazy again and the chances of that happening are very good. Especially since he will most likely leave for free agency when this season is over.
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