Carmelo Anthony done at Denver?

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

While under the shadow of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, there was another man drafted in 2003. Carmelo Anthony changed the fortunes of a team in one season. The Denver Nuggets had settled as one of the NBA's worst teams for well over five years. Their fortunes changed when they drafted Anthony.

In one season, Anthony led the Nuggets from the cellar to the playoffs, losing in the first round to Minnesota. The next five years would have similar endings, first round losses. On the other side of the league, however, Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to a championship. LeBron James became a two-time MVP.

Even with all their accomplishments, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James teamed up to win titles together. They could not do what Carmelo had done for seven years, make the playoffs each season. It would be the summer of 2010 that forever changed the NBA's landscape. Carmelo Anthony has a guaranteed playoff spot in Denver, but a small chance of winning an NBA championship.

After seeing LeBron James and Chris Bosh jump ship for Miami, Carmelo Anthony has strongly considered leaving his longtime team in Denver. Many people compare Anthony to Kevin Garnett, who stayed with his team despite losing in the first round seven straight seasons. The Denver Nuggets are looking to make space on the roster instead of taking on more contracts. Because of this, it would be better for Anthony's championship dreams if he found a new team elsewhere.

During the summer, the New York Knicks tried to make a deal for him and the New Jersey Nets are currently trying to make a deal for him. In 2006, Carmelo Anthony said he would remain in Denver for the rest of his career. But, after eight years, it is looking like his career will be wasted on a team that is getting worse by the day.