Is Carmelo Anthony Being Traded To The New Jersey Nets Good For ‘Melo?
The rumor mill is churning heavy about Carmelo Anthony‘s next destination. Although he is rumored to be steadfast in his yearning to wear a New York Knicks jersey, the Denver Nuggets are close to shipping their star forward to the New Jersey Nets in a blockbuster deal.
How does this trade bode for ‘Melo though?
The Nets are 10-27 currently and are five games out of the playoff hunt. The addition of Anthony—as well as Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton—could prove to be very interesting. But with rumors that Billups could seek a buyout, just how good is New Jersey as a destination for ‘Melo?
Brook Lopez will remain as one of the only pieces Anthony could benefit from. Even if Billups opts to stay, are he and Rip Hamilton really strong enough to make a run?
I don’t think so.
Billups and Hamilton are on the downsides of their respective careers and the Nets will be without a strong enough supporting cast to spell their stars for long periods of time. Is this the type of team Carmelo would want to play for? A team who will barely make the playoffs in 2011 and be soundly thumped in the first round?
Perhaps.
If Melo is willing to sink in his first year, he may rest assured Jay-Z and Nets billionaire owner Mikahail Prokhorov will do whatever it takes to build a strong team around him. Not to mention the Nets expected move to Anthony’s hometown of Brooklyn may be quite appealing.
But while Melo will be rebuilding, I’m quite sure he would rather be in LeBron James‘ Miami shoes right now. He’s ready to compete now. Waiting for a team to be good enough to face off with the Heat will be rather frustrating for Anthony initially. And it’s no secret a player who wants to be traded is ready to win now.
Who knows what Anthony is thinking? If this trade is about getting a ring this year or next, he may as well give up now and wait to sign with the Knicks in the off season, provided Denver finds a way to get rid of Anthony to a team looking for a half season rental. But if this is about being closer to home, having patience and believing the pieces will be put around him as the resources are available, Melo could slide into a prominent role in the Nets and further prove the power has shifted to the Eastern Conference.
It’s a tough decision we’re sure LaLa will have a hand in helping Anthony make.
