Carmelo Anthony struggling in New York

By Sports Authority
JR Staff Writer

The free agency period of 2010 was all of the talk in the NBA from the 2008 season until LeBron James bolted to Miami. In most of the conversations, the talk revolved around James possibly leaving Cleveland for New York. If the Knicks could not land him, their focus would shift to Dwyane Wade.

There was not much discussion about what New York would do if they could not land Wade, either. However, this was all cleared up when Amare Stoudemire signed there. But, it was clear Stoudemire was not the final piece for the Knicks. They began targeting Carmelo Anthony.

Carmelo Anthony had built the Denver Nuggets from a perennial loser into a contender over the span of seven years, gaining respect in the NBA. Even with LeBron James' powerful dunks, he could not lead his Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs until his third year. Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets suited up for the playoffs every year, regardless of their opponents.

But, after seven years and no championships, Carmelo Anthony announced he would not re-sign with his longtime Nuggets when his contract expired. Instead, he would be looking to join another superstar on another team. Mid-season, the Denver Nuggets were in the middle of a playoff run, but had no chance to breaking into the top four. Anthony was highly disappointed and the Nuggets opted to trade him before he left them with nothing.

When Carmelo Anthony joined Amare Stoudemire and the New York Knicks, there was immediately discussion about how good they automatically became. Some said the Knicks were as good, if not better, than the revamped Miami Heat, with their big three. This talk intensified when the Knicks rebounded from a 15-point hole to defeat the Heat in Miami in Anthony's first trip to South Beach with New York. But, wins have been few and far between since their statement victory.

The move to New York has not bothered Carmelo Anthony's skills. He has continued to put up the big numbers for the Knicks. But, when it comes to wins, New York is struggling. Before the trade, the Knicks were, at one point, close to breaking into the top four in the Eastern Conference. Now, they are close to finding themselves battling with the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Bobcats for the final playoff spot in the east.

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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.

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