Carmelo Anthony Trade Rumors: 10 Reasons He Should Nix Nets, Join Knicks
The NBA knows that Carmelo Anthony wants out of Denver and as soon as possible. The question is, where will he end up next season? Sports analysts have brought up rumors of Los Angeles, New Jersey and New York for his new destination, but for Carmelo, the optimal choice for him to call home next season would be back in his home state New York.
Playing for the New York Knicks not only would please the fans in the big apple, but would be the most logical choice for the still young Anthony. After being drafted by Denver in 2003 and leaving Syracuse after just one season, Carmelo would relish the opportunity to return home and light up Madison Square Garden.
10. New York City
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This is simple. When you compare New York to New Jersey, which state has a bigger market for sports and a more well known fan base? Obviously, New York City and playing in Madison Square Garden doesn't compare to playing anywhere else in the world.
The New York fans, especially Spike Lee, go nuts for their top athletes and would love to have Anthony in their city and show him how much they appreciate his service. It's the Big Apple; how could you pass that up?
9. Fans
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Comparing these two fan bases is like comparing the fans bases for baseball in Chicago. Not that the White Sox don't have fans because, trust me, they do, but everyone knows the baseball team in Chicago is the Cubs. Although the Nets and Knicks are in two separate states, fans rollover from both.
Lets face it, the Nets have been one of the worst teams in the NBA for the past few seasons, and fan attendance is very low. The Knicks, on the other hand, with the addition of Amare Stoudamire, have a newfound sense of winning and the fans love it. Carmelo would add that star quality atmosphere that would light up New York every time he stepped onto the floor. Plus, the Knicks have Spike Lee.
8. Devin Harris
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If somehow Carmelo was traded to the Nets, they would no doubt have to give up key players to acquire Anthony. One of those guys is Devin Harris. Harris is the offensive leader of the Nets, and if Carmelo was to land in New Jersey, Harris would be on his way to Denver.
With who the Nets would have to give up to get Melo, he would join the Nets with no supporting cast at all. Not the best move for a guy who wants to win a championship.
7. Donnie Walsh
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Knicks GM Donnie Walsh is a great businessman. We saw last offseason that if he wants a guy, he will make sure the offer is too good to pass up. He acquired Amare Stoudamire without much trouble, and so far, it is working out in the Knicks favor.
Carmelo Anthony wants to play for a team that respects his ability and gives him a supporting cast to increase his productivity. Donnie Walsh is a guy that can make that happen and already started that process with Stoudamire. If Melo chooses New York, Walsh will build that team around him with exceptional talent.
6. Mike D'Antoni
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Former player and current New York Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni is the perfect guy for Melo and for success. When he has elite talent, he knows how to make them mesh well and win. D'Antoni was in Phoenix when they acquired Steve Nash and were a playoff team every year.
D'Antoni coached the Suns to five consecutive 50 win seasons and won the coach of the year award in his first full season there. If he had Melo and Stoudamire together, he would bring that much expected success in New York that he had in Phoenix.
5. Immediate Success
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Although the Knicks are only one game over .500, it is a huge step up from where they were last season, and frankly, they have been playing very well this season despite some unfortunate losses.
The Nets, on the other hand, are not playing so well and struggle to win every night.
The Knicks need that one guy to take them to the promise land of the NBA playoffs and beyond, and that is exactly what Anthony would be able to offer. If he ends up in New York, look for them to contend their first season with him.
4. Personal Preference
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A fact or factor that many people seem to glance over quickly when trade talks come into the news is the player's personal preference of where he wants to play. In a day and age when we see players choose teams or cities because that's the place they want to be, maybe someone should ask Melo regardless of money where he wants to play.
I think he would say New York, but that's just me. Yes, winning a championship is extremely important for an NBA player in his career, but being happy while you do it is just as important.
3. Championship
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With what the Nets would have to give up to obtain Melo, a championship would be extremely unlikely. For the Knicks, if they add Anthony, winning a championship would be a realistic goal for the new team and a real possibility.
Duos are key for winning, as we've seen in the past with the likes of Jordan Pippen, Kobe Shaq, Wade Shaq, and Melo and Stoudamire could be the next to hoist that great trophy.
2. Amare Stoudamire
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One of the most likely reasons Carmelo Anthony would want to join the New York Knicks would be the opportunity to play with star studded big man Amare Stoudamire. Melo would have the chance to be part of an illustrious duo that could do wonders for the Knicks.
The point production of both of them combined could be exactly what the Knicks would need to make a strong push at a top playoff seed and eventually a championship. This is the same reason LeBron considered the Knicks. Stoudamire must be good if these guys want to play alongside him.
1. Return Home
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Being born in New York City and playing his college ball at Syracuse, Carmelo Anthony is a New York man, and like all players, would love to play in front of his family and friends at home. Come on Melo, make the smart decision and go home to New York.
