Carmelo Anthony Does What LeBron James Took Months to Do, Thanks Denver Fans for Role in His Career

Carmelo Anthony may or may not have given 75 percent for much of the 2010-11 season and restricted the Nuggets’ trade options by making it publicly known that he only wanted to go to the Knicks, but when you compare how he handled his “decision” to the actions of LeBron James, Melo looks pretty good.

Unlike James, Melo gave the Nuggets a chance to rebuild with a trade, and one could argue that the Nuggets are actually better now than they were with him. They have all sorts of solid athletes and shooters who can be legitimate impact players, and the Nuggets have a cache of draft picks to boot. Perhaps most important, Denver’s new roster seems to have a firm identity, and the results have followed.

Melo, also, did something that James took far too long to do. On Thursday, Anthony posted a Thank You to his Denver fans on his website, recognizing their significance in his life. It reads as follows.

“I had to let you know how I felt about you, the city, my fans, my friends. You’ve been supportive of me and my NBA career for the past 8 years and that doesn’t go unnoticed.

Drafted when I was 19 I called Denver and the Nuggets my home. The city and the fans embraced me and watched me grow as a man and a player.

There are no words to express the gratitude and appreciation I have for Denver, the Nuggets and all the fans.

You will always be a part of my heart.

One Love,
Melo”

Perhaps Anthony could have done better to not drag out the trade saga, but at least he gave Denver a chance to rebuild and showed appreciation for those who supported him for so long. For such, Anthony deserves a little commendation.

Photo of the day

Do you blame Carmelo for how the trade saga unfolded? Leave your thoughts below.

Quote of the day

“We basically got blitzed.”
–Erik Spoelstra, on his Heat losing by 30 in San Antonio

Comment of the day

Dwight Howard is a 2012 free agent.

“Green and Murphy need to play some minutes down the stretch. Can anyone imagine what a trio like Green, Rondo and Howard would be like playing together in Boston? That would sell seats in every city! Bring back the Celtics fast break.”
–Scott Paul