Melo's Back

[Ataraxia]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/s ... id=2027591

It might be the first dose of credit Anthony has received in a season of widespread Melo-bashing, but he certainly deserves it. His ankles have healed some, his mood has brightened considerably and the Nuggets, riding Anthony's increased efficiency, have lost to only one team (twice to Phoenix) in their past 19 games.

"I just see him listening a lot," Karl said. "Not only to me, but he's listening to the team a little better. And for him to be the leader he's got to do that.

Great news........Melo truly looks like hes got his act back on track.....I hope he'll make the all-star game next year and his production increases furthermore besides his efficiency and willingness.

Karl's done a great job....hes made all the players better...Dre's playing with a pass first shoot second mentality...MC is a beast on D....DerMarr has shown signs of why he was the 6th pick....and well everyone is just playing better including Eduardo Najera...whose now a top 6th man ....and K-Mart and Lenard r still out...next season with the possible signing of maybe a good two guard like JJ and the possiblity of 2 Top 20 draft picks...I have a feeling they can be contenders for the O'Brien.

[Andrew]

The Nuggets are back on track and Melo's reputation is starting to look a lot healthier, but I think they're a little further away from being real championship contenders. About this year's draft, haven't those picks gone to New Jersey as part of the Kenyon Martin deal?

[Ataraxia]

The Nuggets are back on track and Melo's reputation is starting to look a lot healthier, but I think they're a little further away from being real championship contenders. About this year's draft, haven't those picks gone to New Jersey as part of the Kenyon Martin deal?

Yeah your right but I believe one of the picks, not both.

Draftnet has only got a star on one of the picks the Nuggets have(the 21st pick).

http://nbadraft.net/index.asp

But if the Pistons just needed Sheed, all the Nuggets prolly need is a solid two guard...their pretty strong....their playing tough D and their fast break offense(though its toned down now) is prolly only next to the Suns.

[Andrew]

The Pistons already had a core that had spent a few seasons together, a lot more playoff experience and might have already been a dark horse contender for the Eastern crown. In my opinion, Denver's not quite at the level where it's a matter of one more piece, at least not one more piece that will take them to the title the same year.

[Ataraxia]

The Pistons already had a core that had spent a few seasons together, a lot more playoff experience and might have already been a dark horse contender for the Eastern crown. In my opinion, Denver's not quite at the level where it's a matter of one more piece, at least not one more piece that will take them to the title the same year.

Not really....Rip was just playing his second season for Detroit...and so was Chauncey....plus their bench was a litte different compared to the previous year.

True I think the playoff experience is the key factor there...but I think the Nuggets can seriously gun for a title at least after next season...by then all of them will be more experienced and they would have been together for a long time....unless theirs significant changes made which I doubt except maybe trading Andre + Nene + Filler for Jason Kidd....but if they acquire Kidd that would only boost their chances....

[Sauru]

i gotta go with andrew on this one, i dont see the nuggets as being a championship team next season. sure anything can happen and maybe they all play top notch and make alot of noise but i only think this team needs atleast 2 more seasons with its main core intact to honestly have realistic championship hopes

[jwill2]

imagine lebron's cavs vs. melo's nuggets in the finals... wouldn't that be something.... but somehow i just can't picture those baby blue jerseys and the wine reds....

[J-Smoove]

i don't think melos back. he's scoring in the post.

"woop dee do"

karl's realized that melo already forces too many shots, and considering he can't shoot, is in the best interest to put him in the post. melo's getting "cheap points".

he's not back. he'll be back once he learns not to force those jumpshots. then, if he can make a consistent outside jumper (18-25 feet). he's too inconsistent from outside right now.

but at least the team's winning (MAYBE it has something to do with his "revival"), so i don't feel so ashamed of purchasing his jersey last year..

[fgrep15]

He's definately been doing great, but people have overlooked Marcus Camby, the MVP and leader of that team, who has been doing very well, and has helped a lot in their 16-2 Post All-Star record.

Good job Carmelo and Camby

[Riot]

When I go to the game on Friday (Nuggets@Wolves) Melo won't be too happy when Trenton Hassell shuts him down.

[Fresh8]

I love Camby and Earl.. I reakon those two give the Nuggets a bit of flair and energy... on defence (Camby) and off the bench. Is Earl starting games??? (I think he isnt right?)

Melo's really learnt how to handle himself so thats good... and the team is better than last year... wait till Lenard returns next season, this teams gonna be good.

[Andrew]

Not really....Rip was just playing his second season for Detroit...and so was Chauncey....plus their bench was a litte different compared to the previous year.

That's true, and the Nuggets are in a similar situation in some respects. But that core still had more postseason experience. Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby have both been to the NBA Finals, but Carmelo Anthony and Andre Miller - in other words the key guy in their offense and their playmaker - have not had a great deal of postseason success or experience and their bench isn't quite as experienced or as good as Detroit's.

There are similarities, but with Denver's roster I'd suggest that next season is a little too early. But I've got to admire your enthusiasm and support for the Nuggets, and I agree that they appear to be back on track, climbing up the ranks in the West. Next season is just too soon, in my opinion, for them to realistically contend for the championship.

[Ataraxia]

Andrew your one helluva Diplomat.

But I've got to admire your enthusiasm and support for the Nuggets, and I agree that they appear to be back on track, climbing up the ranks in the West.

Thanks

Yeah its true...playoff experience is very vital because the style of play is very different to that of regular season basketball.

I agree....Camby has prolly been a very big reason...hes twice been Western Conference player of the week now....hes had some big games...I honestly thought he was gonna get a quadruple double against the Spurs the way he was goin...
I think another important player is DerMarr Johnson...hes done a good job of late fillin it as the starting SG...a much better job than Greg Buckner did...

Earl's and Eddie's bench play has been also a key.....both of them have been playing really well....I believe Michelle Tafoya said during the telecast of the Spurs vs Nuggets that if Earl Boykins was Shaq's height he would prolly be much stronger... ...Eddie's hussle has been valuable aswell...and hes certaintly done a better job than Rodney White did...I like Rodney alot but he is too streaky and doesnt work hard enuff...sorta a poor man's Melo I guess.

Melo still needs to work on his defense but Im confident he'll be much better on the defensive end next season...hes ready to listen now and thats going to make it alot easier for Karl to teach him how to play good D.

Strange....suddenly Melo is getting "alotta love" and Bron has "faded"...although I think its stupid how their blaming Bron for the sacking of Silas and him being a GM/Player like Kobe.

[Boyk]

Strange....suddenly Melo is getting "alotta love" and Bron has "faded"...although I think its stupid how their blaming Bron for the sacking of Silas and him being a GM/Player like Kobe.

Well honestly mate, do you really think they'd do anything with that team without consulting Lebron???
i mean hes there man, as Kobe is with the Lakers