Carmelo Anthony wrecked 2/3rds of the Nugget season with his drama and demand to be traded. Funny enough, he seems to be having a tough go in New York and the Knicks have not done so well. This may be an example of careful what you wish for.
As for the Nuggets, I am happy for Coach Karl and the team because their success and future was literally held hostage all season with Carmelo's spoiled and self-serving behavior. I am a little partial because I have always liked Coach Karl and still follow former UCLA Guard Aaron Afflalo. It is amazing when a team sheds a bad attitude, and young, hungry players immediately have success with increased roles and opportunities. Players naturally step up given the chance and that is exactly what we are seeing with Ty Lawson and many of the young players. At first glance, it sure looks like they are playing within the system, playing hard, working as a team and even enjoying the game. This enjoyment of the game is the part of sports that keeps us all connected. When teams play together and battle, while having each other's backs, you can certainly tell the difference. By the same token, when a selfish player betrays the team concept, and puts himself above the team, it certainly sucks the air right out of a team. The players don't enjoy the game and performance suffers.
Despite his talent, Carmelo has the propensity to play for the me, myself and I team. The Knicks have played poorly since his arrival and a recent picture of sulking Carmelo on the bench is worth a thousand words. He never played defense and combined with a player in Amare, who is also me first then team, and you have two superstars that play as individuals with no continuity, no flow and consequently stacking up losses. Neither Carmelo nor Amare have defense in their basketball dictionaries, and until they understand that defense wins championships, they will be photographed pouting on the bench while losing games. From a fan's view, when there are selfish superstars who can't work together and put the team first, the product of basketball is not as fun to watch or interesting. Right now, the Knicks are not fun to watch. Maybe that changes and maybe it doesn't. I for one and glad that in the end, Carmelo Anthony did more for the Nuggets by leaving than he did by staying and poisoning the team.
Congratulations Denver on a shrewd trade and giving an opportunity to some new blood to step up and peform. It appears your strategy is paying off.
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