Monday should have been a great day for Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony.
It was the day, he was named to the USA Olympic Basketball team for the second time. He is a two-time all star, a bonafide fan favorite, and now multiple time Olympian, all at the age of 24 years old. Not too shabby, Carmelo.
However, as the announcement was being made in Chicago, where Anthony sat with fellow Olympians LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and head coach Mike Kryzewski, there was another announcement that was also a topic of discussion. The day before this, the Nuggets had finally confirmed they were not looking to trade Anthony this offseason.
This statement by the Nuggets seemed to sit well with Anthony and he said the situation more or less did not bother him. He pointed to the man sitting next to him at the press conference-Wade-as proof of that. Every year, Anthony says, players go through trade rumors and Wade, much like Anthony himself, has been part of that rampant and unyielding speculation.
To me, however, there is a big difference. I cannot imagine the Heat were ever seriously looking at trading Wade. He is the only bargainning chip they have and it would be foolish to let go of a guy who just two years ago was an integral part of your franchise winning the NBA Finals. That is a far different spot than Anthony finds himself in. He has proven to be a great scorer and at times, a clutch performer. Although, the term clutch takes on a far different meaning in the Playoffs. In that regard, Wade is an NBA Champion, Anthony has yet to get out of the first round. Therefore, seriously considering trading a player that is great---though has not helped you take the next step forward----is not out of the question. The Nets started the Anthony trade speculation, the Pistons were the most serious candidate, and the Lakers came in at the end. The Nuggets had to listen, to do anything but would be a detriment to a franchise trying to take it to the next level. In most lines of work, the Nuggets did what any business in their place would---they exhausted every possibility---including possibly trading the face of the franchise if it would help them grow as a team.
The idea that this speculative narrative did not bother Anthony seems a bit of a reach. If Anthony was not bothered by trade rumors, then why did he originally ask for him and/or his representation to meet with Nuggets officials on Monday? The discussion, according to a recent report, was planned and initiated by Anthony's side to figure out exactly the Nuggets were planning on doing with him. If he was not bothered by the recent discussions, then why call a meeting? That is a question that we will not answer because after the team said they were keeping Anthony, the meeting between both sides was called off.
This whole drama, at least to me, has blame to go around. Team management was extremely tight lipped during this situation, though, credit must be given to head coach George Karl for his candid comments. The team has the right to comment when they want and if they chose to keep these conversations private, it is their prerogative to do so. However, not telling the public is one thing, to not keep Anthony informed is another. The mere idea that he was hearing about his future possibly through media reports is unfair . They should have been more forthright with him at the start of this whole process.
Carmelo also needs to come to grips with the reality that every NBA player, even ones with extrordinary talents like him, can end up on the trade block. Kobe Bryant was, Kevin Garnett was, Allen Iverson was, and now so was he. His skills are tremendous, though, if the NBA is all about winning titles, than his star isn't nearly as bright. Sure, he is only 24 yaers old, but not winning an NBA Championship is one thing, not getting out of the first round is another. Someone has to pay the price for that lack of progress. For now, that somebody will not be Anthony, news that couldn't make him happier.
-"z"
