Carmelo Wants Some Answers; Dumars (Now) Wants Anthony
Pretty wild weekend out in Denver and Detroit. According to a couple of reports, Carmelo Anthony’s people are set to meet with Nuggets management today to find out just what (if anything) is going on with these non-stop trade rumors involving Young ‘Melo, and at the same time, Joe Dumars and his staff have reportedly been working the phones like crazy trying to get their hands on Anthony.
The meeting is being initiated by Anthony, who has grown tired of hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors. His desire is to stay in Denver and he wants assurances from the Nuggets that they will not trade him. Anthony’s party expects to get those assurances on Monday, according to the sources.
[…]
But while talks are ongoing, the Nuggets, at this point, are reluctant to include Anthony in any deal. The Pistons source said the sides are “not even close” to an agreement.
A couple of things to keep in mind:
1)Denver’s decision-makers have yet to put out a definitive statement regarding their superstar forward’s status in the Nuggets organization (no doubt adding fuel to the fire, and certainly part of the reason why ‘Melo’s people want to meet and discuss things.)
2)Joe Dumars, as he stated in no uncertain terms following the Pistons’ latest Playoff flameout, is hellbent on making changes in Motown (and what better change than making up for his still-unfathomable decision to pick Darko Milicic over Carmelo in the ‘03 Draft?)
Though Carmelo’s agent denies that anything is brewing, it should be an interesting next couple of weeks for these two franchises.
59 Responses to “Carmelo Wants Some Answers; Dumars (Now) Wants Anthony”
Jun.23 at 10:01 am
B. Long says:
If Sheed and AI end up on the same team because of this, it has to be good…right?
Jun.23 at 10:01 am
AJ says:
It would be great to see Melo get out of the first round
Jun.23 at 10:24 am
Spaceship Jay says:
Anthony’s stock will rise like crazy in the Olympics. And then he’ll come back and be Glenn Robinson again.
Jun.23 at 10:37 am
Cub Buenning says:
Denver management has stated that they do NOT want to part ways with Melo, nor does Melo want to leave. He is just sick of being treated (thru rumors) as if he is NOT the “franchise player.” George Karl, however, feels differently than the 45-headed monster that makes decisions down at the Pepsi Center. For the record, Joe D is the league’s best GM.
Jun.23 at 10:38 am
thesubwayconnection says:
I think Melo would fit offensively in Detroit, as McDyess can shoot it a bit, and they’d be alright with spacing, Melo likes to post up. But DEFENSIVELY there might be a problem.
Jun.23 at 10:39 am
AC says:
Detroit is a better place for Melo… but for who? AI’s only got a couple of years left and Denver would be crazy to let Melo go… despite his “troubles.”
Jun.23 at 10:47 am
blackjack says:
I don’t see this working out well for Denver at all.
Jun.23 at 10:47 am
Squirrel7 says:
Lovin’ the Glenn Robinson comparison! Not sure what the Nuggets should do, they certainly won’t get past the 1st round of the playoffs next season with the current roster, or at least with Karl still in charge.
Jun.23 at 10:57 am
Brandon Hoffman says:
Melo has made a lot of mistakes during his short career. But he’s only 24 years old. I wouldn’t trade Melo (straight up) for anyone but Kobe, LeBron, STAT, or Dwight Howard. Maybe Chris Paul. Twenty-six ppg game scorers don’t grow on trees. Not to mention the fact that he’s forced to share the basketball with Iverson.
Jun.23 at 11:00 am
Squirrel7 says:
Maybe CP3?! So Melo is better than a sure-fire MVP contender? The scary thing is, I see Paul getting better, I actually don’t see Melo going anywhere but down.
Jun.23 at 11:06 am
Cub Buenning says:
What’s up Brandon? Been meaning to holla at you…..
agreed on your points.
Jun.23 at 11:07 am
Brandon Hoffman says:
@Squirrel7 - Yes. Maybe. It’s funny how people forget that Melo led ‘Cuse to the national championship his freshmen year. The guy is a winner. He’s never advanced past the first round in the NBA but he’s been to the playoffs in each season. The Nuggets have a talented roster but they’ve done a horrible job of surrounding him with a TEAM can maximize his skills and make up for his weaknesses. Denver needs a true point guard. They were better off with Andre Miller.
Jun.23 at 11:11 am
Brandon Hoffman says:
@ Cub - What’s up Buenning? Everything’s good here. Thanks for taking the time to read my comment. I keep on reading that Iverson’s decision not to opt-out is a “good thing.” I don’t get it. The guy has been a detriment to the team and is hindering Anthony’s development. There’s absolutely no way he’s been worth his salary. Unless you want to count ticket and jersey sales. I prefer to judge a player by their results on the court.
Jun.23 at 11:16 am
Rory Breaker says:
Melo’s going to put up a 30/10 next season. He improves his game every summer & is going to KILL in the Olympics.
Jun.23 at 11:16 am
Cub Buenning says:
Brandon, most of the commenters around here don’t consider WINNING in college to be relevant to how someone might pan out as a pro.
(ie Mike, Zeke, Magic)
Jun.23 at 11:19 am
Cub Buenning says:
I like/respect/admire AI.
I do the same for Earl Boykins, though. AI is phenomenal, but the fit ain’t great.
Agreed, Rory.
30/10 should be the norm from here on out.
Jun.23 at 11:20 am
Squirrel7 says:
I’m not hatin’ on Melo (though I’ll admit I’m not a fan), I just think finding another power-forward of his ability is more likely than finding another point-guard of CP3’s. Plus, CP3 seems the consumate professional, can’t really say that about Anthony…..
Jun.23 at 11:21 am
Dave Kamin says:
The only place I see Melo is in MIL(NYK,NJN,Detroit) it sound funny, but think about it…(I don’t really care what happens, I’m just saying)
Jun.23 at 11:26 am
Squirrel7 says:
And I’m not saying a Melo-CP3 trade is on the cards or anything like that, we just responding to Brandon’s opinion. Honestly can’t see Melo putting up 30/10 next season. Maybe shooting 10/30 per game, but not averaging 30ppg and 10rpg!
Jun.23 at 11:32 am
TADOne says:
Whats good Cub? Long time no see. What are you handicapping the chances at that something happens with Melo moving to Detroit? I know you stated that management doesn’t want to move Melo, but obviously Karl has a ton of influence. Joe D. doesn’t keep shaking trees that he knows no fruit is falling from, so I have a feeling something may still happen. (For the record, i’m also one of those people who are not completely sold on Melo)
Jun.23 at 11:54 am
Brandon Hoffman says:
@Squirrel7 - CP3 is a great player. My stating that I would ‘maybe’ trade Melo for him wasn’t meant to be knock against Paul. I just wouldn’t do so without hesitation like I would with Kobe, LeBron, STAT, or D-Howard. Too many people underestimate Anthony. In my opinion, he’s the most ‘pure’ scorer in the NBA. He can go left or right, finish at the basket, post-up, and his range extends to the 3-point line. Kobe scores more because he has a cut-throat mentality. LeBron scores more because he’s surrounded by D-Leaguers. But it’s no coincidence that when the stars of stars come together (Team USA), Carmelo Antony is the go-to-guy.
Jun.23 at 11:57 am
Brandon Hoffman says:
@ Cub - I used to be a big Iverson fan when he was with Philly. But he just doesn’t get ‘it’ and he never will. For years, people wondered what he could do with more talent. He’s got all of the talent in the world in Denver and the story is the same. He dominates the basketball too much and he doesn’t make others better.
Jun.23 at 11:59 am
Cub Buenning says:
TAD, what up, been enjoying my summer (trips to pool, park, tee times, etc.) First of all, Karl’s influence on team decisions is still somewhat debateable. He and the owner are boys in many arenas, but one of Karl’s main issues has been his inability to be on the same page with who(m)ever was “management du’jour.” I still just don’t see it. I agree that smoke often leads to fire, but you can’t move him. Having broke into SLAM the very same day that Melo arrived in Denver, I will admit to being biased at some level. But, I have bought in. His talent is rare, he is a likebale guy (from my unique vantage point,) and as Hoffman mentioned, he is still very young. The situation just hasn’t been right here in Denver, yet.
Jun.23 at 12:08 pm
TADOne says:
Seeing things up close and all the time will give you a unique perspective. I’m quite sure you notice all the great things Melo does on the court much more than someone from the outside looking in. I trust Joe D. to make the right decisions, so I trust that he knows that Melo is the best deal out there for the Pistons. But as someone mentioned earlier, the Pistons have been built on defense and sharing the rock, two things I don’t see in Melo.
Jun.23 at 12:10 pm
TADOne says:
Sounds like your summer is going well. I’ve been playing ball a lot in the last month and BBQ’ing.
Jun.23 at 12:18 pm
Cub Buenning says:
My summertime ball consists of golf and softball. I haven’t hooped in a couple months, as it just doesn’t lend itself to the beer drinking that can be accomplished while participating in the other two “sports.” I would also put my faith in JoeD.
Jun.23 at 12:20 pm
TADOne says:
Beer bragging!
Jun.23 at 12:37 pm
Jukai says:
I AGREE WITH BRANDON. Carmello is incredibly underestimated. No one remembers how INCREDIBLE he was playing before Iverson came on the team. There was a half a year stretch where, when the team ran through Carmello, they would just dominate. They were the best team in the pacific and he was in the running for MVP… then he got suspended for the Knicks brawl (which certainly doesn’t win Melo any fans) and then Iverson came in and everything got wrecked. This kids got talent, it’s just stunted with ‘balls gotta be in mah hands’ Iverson.
Jun.23 at 12:37 pm
Jukai says:
I would not trade CP3 for Melo.
Jun.23 at 12:46 pm
ciolkstar says:
CP3 > Melo
Melo > Anyone on the Pistons The guy is an out of this world offenseive talent and did dominate as a frosh in college. but that same level of determination hasn’t appeared since AI arrived. Anyone who argues against him being an incredible scorer at such a young age is crazy. But I honestly just don’t see a team going all the way with him as their best player, ever. 30-10 is not gonna happen. Setting yourself up for dissappointment. If Melo got to play against Euros all year, maybe…
Jun.23 at 12:54 pm
Earl "E.Sneed" Sneed says:
How long is it before Melo starts demanding a trade since the organization won’t cease all of this by coming out and saying something instead of allowing all of these talks to continue? And when he does, can you blame him for wanting out if it continues????
Jun.23 at 12:58 pm
TADOne says:
Ciol: No doubt about it that Melo has more talent that anyone in the current Pistons starting five, but i’m just hesitant because Joe D. has built the Pistons team on defense and continuity in the locker room and on the court. Something tells me Melo would upset that. Regardless, it seems to be a moot point because Denver is saying that have no interest in moving him at all. But, Denver is definitely still interested in Billups.
Jun.23 at 1:00 pm
Captain America says:
No one wins with the collection
Jun.23 at 1:06 pm
dfrance says:
What would have hapopened if JoeD didn’t overthink that 2003 draft and he took Melo instead of Darko. I feel they would have been just as good with him and Tayshaun splitting. Any thoughts???
Jun.23 at 1:16 pm
Double Cinco says:
Melo just makes bad mistakes. People forget that he is top 5 at his position and top 15 in the L right now. But I just don’t like A.I. and Melo on the same team. I like the idea of trading Richard Jefferson for Melo. I know Melo could co-exist with Carter because he would have to step aside for the younger gunner. Carter is getting into that mold where he just doesn’t give a damn anymore so having melo score the ball constantly wouldn’t bother him a bit. RJ would be a good compliment to AI because he is a good scorer and he lets the game come to him. play wit it.
Jun.23 at 1:19 pm
TADOne says:
Wait, you mention that Melo is top 15 in the L but then think that Denver would trade him straight up for Richard f*cking Jefferson??!?!?
Jun.23 at 1:24 pm
Vortex Knight says:
If you’re worried about Carmelo’s defense, pause to think about what might happen if he were in a different system. Defense in Denver is a TEAM issue, not an individual one. No one plays defense there except for Camby and sometimes Najera. Think about what happened to Paul Pierce when KG came to Boston. He used to be just like Carmelo, now he’s shutting down Kobe in the Finals. Carmelo justs needs a system that will push him a bit, and I’m sure he’d be an effective defender.
Jun.23 at 1:24 pm
Double Cinco says:
nah, I said I liked the idea because I don’t like Melo and AI together. I know they won’t trade him for Jefferson but they did think about it. Jefferson ain’t that bad TAD, cmon now.
Jun.23 at 1:25 pm
Double Cinco says:
send him to DET and he will be a better defender.
Jun.23 at 1:33 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
Finally an interesting post!
@ b. long: yes that would be good!
but i dont think they should trade melo 4 sheed or 2 tha pistons @ all. i think sacramento 4 ron ron, or sumwhere else and get a good point/shooting guard 2 play w/ai or trade him 4 a couple nobodys 2 free up cap space & sign sum1? gilbert?
Jun.23 at 1:33 pm
Drew says:
ESPN reported this weekend that Denver turned down a trade of Melo for Tayshaun Prince and Chauncey Billips. Plus, Melo’s agent said that he has assurance from the owner on down that the team won’t trade Melo. The team has not asked him for a list of teams he would accept a trade to. But this story keeps going.
Why? Because Karl or someone else in the organization disagrees with the decision to keep Melo. Because other teams make offers to get him. Because it is a slow news time in the NBA. The Nuggets shouldn’t trade him, and I don’t think they have any intention to. But this story will keep going, just like the Favre will come back stories in the NFL.
Jun.23 at 1:46 pm
Brandon Hoffman says:
@ Double Cinco & TADone - Richard Jefferson is one of (if not the) most overrated players in the league. I’ll never forgive Larry Brown for playing Jefferson over LeBron and Carmelo in the 2004 Olympics. That has to go down as one of the dumbest personnel decisions of all-time.
Jun.23 at 1:49 pm
BETCATS says:
2 things. 1). Doesnt Detroit have Prince, who along with Hamilton should be the only 2 that stay out of the starting 5. and 2). Doesnt Detroit belive in something called D-E-F-E-N-C-E? I dont think Carmelo even knows of this defence. If you ask him what a steal is or what a hand in the shooters face will do he will just stare at you. Bad idea Pistons. But the we Bobcats will take Rasheed off your hands. Reunite LB and Sheed!
Jun.23 at 1:52 pm
BETCATS says:
Drew says: “The Nuggets shouldn’t trade him, and I don’t think they have any intention to.” Drew, you seem smart, i will give you the benfit of the doubt. But, the Nuggets have problems. Their biggest is defence. Enter the fact the face of the franchise who doubles as the 1/2 best player (after or before AI) doesnt help fix this problem, and adds too it means that it is time for a change.
Jun.23 at 2:02 pm
Drew says:
Betcats: Teams in this league don’t get better by trading 24-year old star players. It is the route to years of mediocrity. I can understand why people are frustrated with the Nuggets, but Melo has 10 good years in him. He has developed into the most consistent scorer in the league and a good rebounder. It might be time for a change, but it is not time to trade Melo. Trade other people, or use the next couple of years of expiring contracts to improve the team defense. Trading a young star for old guys like Billips is exactly the wrong thing to do.
Jun.23 at 2:33 pm
Jukai says:
Drew is correct.
Jun.23 at 3:32 pm
J J the Jet Plane says:
Detroit is fine. Dont pull the trade it would send both teams in the wrong direction. Denver needs to realize they need to get rid of George Karl to get out of the first round. Detroit will make it to the finals next year sice they got rid of dumbass Flip.
Jun.23 at 4:01 pm
Tom says:
Fire George Karl. Maybe I forgetting (or maybe my NBA knowledge doesnt go back far enough) but the guy has never won a championship, and he has had some great talent playing for him in the past. Just because he helped them to a good regular season finish when he came on board doesnt mean he’s the best man for the job. Get someone who work with the players and can win a few playoff games. Any chance Phil Jackson will ever be available?
Jun.23 at 4:12 pm
d.Y. says:
Fire Karl… hire lil General or Flip. Pistons are making moves, that’s their plan. The Nugs roster is good on paper, it just needs the right catalyst to make them work.
Jun.23 at 5:04 pm
tealish says:
Trading a young talent for an old one is a mistake, yes. But if I were Denver, I’d GLADLY ship Melo out for someone like Brandon Roy - a seemingly lesser talent with lower potential - in a heartbeat.
Someone said “MAYBE for CP3″. Didn’t watch the last couple seasons of NBA, eh?
Jun.23 at 8:08 pm
B. Long says:
The Nuggets will never get past the second round of the Playoffs with Melo. Bet on it.
Jun.23 at 8:18 pm
MeloMan13 says:
Y is George Karl still the coach!!!!!
Jun.23 at 8:56 pm
Chukaz says:
Joe Dumars is the biggest idiot ever. Who the f*ck pick the one and only bust in the ‘03 draft, witht the second pick. How passes up on Melo, Flash, Bosh, West, Howard, Barbosa, Diaw, Hinrich, Ridnour, Collison. I know some of the names aren’t worthy of the 2nd pick but, Darko? Really? Luke Walton went in the second round and I would rather take him over Darko. This dude is like Isiah with with a little bit of common sense and lesser scouting skills.
Jun.23 at 8:56 pm
Nashty says:
I like Melo but those of you who think there is a slightest chance that the Hornets will trade CP3 for Melo is high on something. Melo is Vince Carter 3000 minus the superman athelticism and all the wincing and injuries. He is very talented and can get his 26-28 points a game with relative ease but he lacks the basketball IQ and the mental toughness to get to that next level.
Jun.23 at 10:15 pm
The Promise says:
I heard a rumor that Tayshaun is gonna be traded soon. Russ, you heard anything like this man?
Jun.23 at 10:30 pm
Dacre says:
Melo needs a hair cut. Just something simple… You look at who wins the champion chips. Dennis Rodman was the exception to the rule, but if you want a ring you gotta go to work looking clean and professional. None of this, wacked out hairdo/tat thug business.
Jun.24 at 12:30 am
Chukaz says:
Richard Jefferson will be a Laker soon, believe that!!!!
Jun.24 at 12:40 am
TalenTed says:
lol any way..you would think AI only got a couple years left but he fasho aint playin like it. With Melo I don’t know who Denver would want their aight at every spot unless you get a true point gaurd and put AI at two but Chauncy aint goin no where.
Jun.24 at 3:31 am
Jeter says:
Imagine Billups, Iverson and Wallace on a team coached by George Karl.