Why You Gotta Go My Mello My Man?

Many people would understand if the speculation would become too much of a distraction. Not for Carmello Anthony who faces intense scrutiny regarding what seems to be an imminent trade from the Nuggets. 

First, it was rumours claiming that Mello would not sign an extension unless he was traded to the Knicks.  The Nuggets offered Mello a 3 year $65 million extension prior to the start of the season that has been left on the table. Then, it was rumoured that he was going to land in New Jersey in light of their recent 3-team trade with the Rockets and Lakers.  “Who? I haven’t heard that one. Am I? I don’t know, dawg. This is new,” Mello responded when a reporter relayed a report that he would be headed to New Jersey on Wednesday. “I haven’t heard that. I’m officially saying I know nothing about it.”

Surely this is all becoming a slight distraction? “I’ve got a game here Thursday night against San Antonio and that’s what I’m focused on, “ Mello said. “All that other stuff, I’m not even paying attention to right now.”

Facing Eastern Conference contenders, Orlando Magic, at home last night, Mello recorded 35 points on a very efficient 14-21 along with 11 rebounds. If not for some late game lapses, this game could very possibly have been a rematch of the 2009 Finals where the Lakers eliminated the Nuggets in the Conference Finals 4-2 before defeating the Magic in the finals. Need I remind anyone of Ariza’s steal at half court in Game One in LA? That would’ve given the Nuggets a 2-0 advantage in taking the series to Denver. 

That’s what makes it so hard to understand. My Mello my man is so close. He was there. He had it. He possibly still has it there. Somewhere in this Nuggets team is the capability to reach the conference finals again and give this year’s Lakers team a real shake. 

It must be difficult for someone who has achieved so much in his basketball career to feel like they are playing on such a mediocre team right now. In his one season at Syracuse University, Carmello Anthony averaged 22.1 points and 10 rebounds in lead the Orangemen to their first ever NCAA tournament title in 2003. His 33- point effort against the University of Texas in the Final Four was an NCAA tournament record for most points by a freshman and he later earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Award. Carmello had originally intended to play at Syracuse for two or three seasons but declared himself eligible for the 2003 NBA draft after he felt that he had accomplished all of his goals. 

In his first season the Nuggets finished with a record of 43-39 and made the playoffs as an eight seed. The previous season they finished with a 17-65 record. It was the worst record in the NBA.

But my Mello my man why would you go to an Eastern Conference that is so top heavy with finals contenders that it feels like an arms race at times? 

My Mello my man, where else can you relax defensively for the first three quarters of a game? I guess in New York but they don’t even know what defense even is to try it in the fourth quarter. Those guys are on serious cruise control.

My mellow my man, where else can you be the man? They love you here. In Denver you are revelled as an offensive prowess. Mello can indubitably score at will. He may be the best individual scorer in the NBA right now. Mello tied an NBA record when he scored 33 points in the 3rd quarter of a home win over the Timberwolves in December 2008. He finished the game with 45 points on 12-15 shooting, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

Mello, you are the Nuggets’ primary option. You take 19 shots per game with the offense catered specifically for you by Coach George Karl. Your team wants you to be selfish in helping the team win games. Take 30 shots. Go ahead take 50 shots. The more the better. Regardless of whether the shot is successful, Coach Karl and your teammates will encourage you to take another 100 shots. 

During the 2008 season, the Nuggets traded Allen Iverson for Chauncey Billups. Many were critical of the trade questioning why the Nuggets would trade Iverson’s expiring contract for Billups lucrative contract. Coach Karl knew that Billups would be more of a compliment to Carmello’s game, as Iverson and Carmello were players that demanded the ball. 

My Mello my man, you are the man. As much as the situation mirrors what LeBron experienced in free agency, this Nuggets team has more pieces in place to contend for a title. The Nuggets is well coached by the seasoned George Karl and have a team with a lot of young talent in the backcourt with Ty Lawson, JR Smith and Afflalo. There’s also a solid frontcourt of Nene and Al Harrington with the Birdman, Chris Anderson, to return from injury soon.

My Mello my man, you shouldn’t have to go anywhere. People should be lining up to come join you and Coach Karl in Denver. Wanted: bigs who play D.