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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 – OCTOBER 8: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 8, 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 – OCTOBER 8: Carmelo Anthony #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 8, 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 Denver want to bring Carmelo Anthony back?

If Carmelo Anthony was an option for the Nuggets, they would have to weigh multiple factors. There are many to bring Anthony back, but there are also reason not to. He would be an upgrade for Denver at their starting small forward position, even if he is declining. He would also put fans in seats at the Pepsi Center, as people would want to see one of the greatest Nuggets make his return to Denver.

At an affordable salary, Anthony makes sense for Denver. Although not the player he once was, Anthony can still score in bunches, and can turn the tides of a game in just a few possessions. On this Denver team, there are a lot of shooters, so he wouldn’t have to handle as much of a load as he did earlier in his career. That could be beneficial for Anthony, and help improve some of his numbers.

However, there are downsides to bringing back Anthony. He is a liability on defense, which is something that the Nuggets can’t afford. He would need to work on improving his defense in order to play a high amount of minutes for Denver. If he didn’t, players like Torrey Craig would enter the game more often for defensive value, something the Nuggets need.

The fact that Anthony is declining is also cause for concern. He is a shell of what he once was, and Denver might want to play their young guys instead. However, it doesn’t hurt to have a veteran around to teach the young guys valuable lessons. His lessons and wisdom could help the team improve their skills and their play.

Anthony is still a useful player in the NBA, and would be a welcome addition on most NBA teams. Adding Anthony wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Nuggets. Although he has his flaws, there is enough talent on the roster to hide them. He could continue his legacy in Denver, and maybe propel them to the playoffs, or even a championship.

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