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Denver Nuggets: Could Carmelo Anthony return to Denver?

By Kevin Oestreicher

DENVER - FEBRUARY 4: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets enters the court against the Utah Jazz on February 4, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER - FEBRUARY 4: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets enters the court against the Utah Jazz on February 4, 2011 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2011 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER – DECEMBER 18: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against Kosta Koufos #41 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 18, 2010 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER – DECEMBER 18: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against Kosta Koufos #41 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 18, 2010 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Would Carmelo Consider A Reunion with Denver?

Carmelo Anthony enjoyed years of success in Denver. He guided them to the playoffs year after year, and put up All-Star numbers in the process. He embraced his role as the best player, and learned how to become a leader.

What made Anthony want to leave was the lack of attention that came with playing in Denver. He wanted a bigger, more popular city where he could shine in a bigger spotlight. New York was that city, but Oklahoma City isn’t known for being a vibrant city. Anthony seemed to be fine with playing there, so maybe he would consider Denver as an option, even if it isn’t a huge market.

Anthony would also get the opportunity to start. It’s extremely unlikely that Anthony and Wilson Chandler would be on the same roster considering Denver’s cap struggles. Anthony would slide in as the Nuggets starting Small Forward, and give them a great one-on-one scorer. He also is a decent rebounder for his position, averaging 6.5 rebounds per game for his career.

If Anthony returned to the Nuggets, it would also allow him to resume his legacy in Denver. He broke the hearts of Nuggets fans everywhere by wanting out, and people were shocked and felt betrayed by the player who they rooted so hard for for so many years. He’s not the player he once was, but if he could propel Denver back to the playoffs, it would only add to his legacy.

Going back to Denver would give Anthony a place where he could start, and would also give him a team that looks completely different than the one he left. The Nuggets have loads of young talent, from Nikola Jokic to Jamal Murray to Gary Harris. A veteran who knows how to play the game and knows the city would complement them well, and the young players would compliment Anthony well.  The team is also ready to compete, and with a player like Anthony, it could get the team over the hump and into the playoffs.

Overall, Denver would be a nice fit for Anthony should he be able to choose his next team. He could continue to start while coming back to a city that loved him for years. If Anthony decides he wants to go to Denver, the only thing stopping him would be Denver. Would the Nuggets want a reunion with Carmelo?

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