Two years ago, a disgruntled Carmelo Anthony asked for a trade out of Denver. The Nuggets first round pick in 2003, loved by the city, wanted to move on to the Big Apple and the stage that is Madison Square Garden. The Nuggets were able to deal Anthony and Chauncey Billups for Timofey Mozgov, Wilson Chandler, Corey Brewer and Danilo Gallinari. Melo instantly became public enemy No. 1.
For the first time since his trade, Anthony will return to the Pepsi Center to take on his old team and his old coach George Karl.
When Dwight Howard returned to Orlando a few games back, he was greeted with boo birds from the fans. In my eyes, Howard deserved them because of the circus he put on down in Orlando and the state that the team is in right now.
As far as Anthony, he doesn’t deserve it.
First off, he led the Nuggets to seven straight playoff appearances and brought Denver hoops back to the top.
Yes they escaped the first round just once.
Would they be there without Melo though?
With the trade, both teams got what they want. The Knicks got their superstar and Melo got to go to New York. The Nuggets got a young, talented team that is currently riding a nine-game winning streak.
While the boo birds will be out in Denver on Wednesday, they shouldn’t be.
Eventually when Melo retires, all will be forgiven as his jersey is hung from the rafters and then he’ll get the applause he deserves.