A Quote
Kobe Bryant had this to say about Denver Nuggets fans booing Carmelo Anthony:
"That's stupid...It has nothing to do with (Anthony wanting) a bigger market. It's about winning. If you want to keep a player here, make the right decisions. Make the right choices with personnel, get a team around a guy to help you win, and there would be no problems."
When asked if Denver might be a destination for the 'Melo man even after he hits free agency, Kobe said this:
"Then Denver will make the right decisions, bring in the right personnel, and he'll stick around. It's not rocket science...I know for me, it's all about winning. In my situation (when he asked to be traded by the Lakers a while back), we weren't spending the money to get players -- they had me playing around with Smoosh Parker. Until they decided to make the necessary sacrifices financially to get a team that's competitive, I didn't want to be (with the Lakers). It's as simple as that."
First of all, what did Smoosh ever do? How did he end up getting dragged into this mess?
I understand that Kobe wants to stick up for his buddy. But it really is not fair to the situation to paint this as a failure on the part of the Nuggets front office.
They have surrounded Carmelo with talent; admittedly that group ultimately fell short, but they acquired big names and good role players to support 'Melo. Spend money? The Nuggets have been paying the luxury tax for essentially the duration of the Anthony era. Even when owner Stan Kroenke demanded that management get below the luxury tax line, they did not exactly leave the cupboards bare (unless fans really miss Dhantay Jones).
When Carmelo ends up with the New York Knicks, either through a semi-desperate trade by the Nuggets in the next month or in free agency after the season, he will be in a very similar situation as far as player personnel. All points, no defense. As the Knicks are learning right now and the Nuggets have learned again and again, that does not get it done.
Carmelo and Kobe have both said that this is just about winning, and that's simply not true. If it was, he would have signed the extension. Like I have been saying all along, the question of whether he would return to Denver was answered before the season started. No extension, no return.
The Nuggets front office must get value for him. Even if it's minimal value, that's better than nothing. The idea that they will make some run this season that would persuade him to return as a free agent is a pipe dream (see: Cavaliers, Cleveland). In the mean time, all this talk about him "wanting to win" is just noise filling the space until he leaves. And yes, we get to boo. I have more to say about this in my letter to 'Melo.
Oh, and Kobe. Let me say this on behalf of all Colorado basketball fans. Three words: No means No.
A Video
Boomer Esiason discusses the key players in this weekend's conference championship games.
Warning Track Power's predictions: The Pittsburgh Steelers win in a grind over the New York Jets, whose offense will learn first-hand how important Troy Polamalu is. Final score: Steelers 17, Jets 6. The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will play a close game, which exposes how good the Bears defense is and how inept their offense is (when they have to play a good defense). Aaron Rodgers is held mostly in check, but Jay Cutler will make one key mistake that swings the game. Final score: Packers 14, Bears 10.
A Photo
Check out this photo of John Fox being introduced as the Denver Broncos coach. Most fans should like this hire. It is not reasonable to assume that Fox will bring a quick turnaround. However, his hiring represents some steps in the right direction. He is a defensive-minded coach and works within the model of a separate general manager and coach. This hire should be a good early step in rebuilding the orange and blue.
A Tweet
@TroyRenck: Owner dick monfort said opening day is soldout. Will double check it. Said almost all tix were gone in 30 minutes of sales
This is referring to Colorado Rockies owner Dick Monfort. It is very exciting to know that Colorado fans are already gearing up for baseball season. The Rockies have the opportunity to steal the show, with Tulo and CarGo emerging as the faces of Colorado sports (besides that Tebow guy).
Links
Dave Krieger on the need to end the 'Melo drama: http://www.denverpost.com/krieger/ci_17154182
Peter King previews the upcoming conference championship games: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/01/21/conference-championships/index.html?eref=sihp
Dan Wetzel writes about a surprising performance enhancer: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AkoxrHllXcGoWdzJOKaa.k85nYcB?slug=dw-deerantlers011911
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