One of the main question marks in the value of Anthony since the trade has come with the success of his former team since he departed. Many felt that the Nuggets would fall out of the Western Conference playoff picture sans Melo but much to the credit of George Karl’s team, they have not.
The Nuggets are 13-4 since the trade in February, good enough to propel them into the West’s 5th seed. It’s not just their record that has been impressive, it’s the fact that the Nuggets have went from an isolation heavy offense to a fast and exciting brand of play.
Everyone from around the association has been raving about the Nuggets’ play, and deservedly so, but many are treating the Nuggets surprising play as an addition by the subtraction of Melo. Even Nuggets Coach George Karl has piled on Melo.
“[Anthony’s] Defensive focus, his demand of himself, is what frustrated us more than anything,” Karl said shortly after the trade.
Despite the popular belief the trade of Melo was anything but addition by subtraction for the Nuggets. Many fail to realize that the Nuggets received several key players of a Knicks team which was seemingly a lock to qualify for the playoffs. This list includes Raymond Felton, Dalino Gallinari and Wilson Chandler.
Yes, the post-Melo Nuggets have been one of the feel good stories of the NBA season but without a closer the Nuggets are likely to be an after-thought come playoff time. With Anthony the Nuggets were at least a threat.
As for the Nuggets coaches and fans piling on Anthony, it is unfortunate that they lost such a great player, but gives him credit for at least expressing to the team that he wanted out before it was too late to get anything in return. After all, don’t you think Cavs fans wish they could have gotten something in return for LeBron James?
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