Carmelo Anthony came to Denver and turned a dismal team into an instant playoff contender. Seven years later he left the Mile High City for the bright lights of New York
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Before you read Carmelo Anthony’s parting love letter to Denver Nuggets fans, there are a few things you should keep in mind for perspective…
First, Melo played hard for seven solid years in Denver. Many people never hold a job for seven years in their entire lives, and Anthony gave Nuggets fans seven good years in the prime of his career. He even played hard most of this season while the Melodrama enveloped himself and his team.
Second, Carmelo brought Denver basketball to a new level of prominence. His presence on the team, his personality, his highlights spins, shots and dunks all contributed to the Mile High City developing a youth basketball fan base that did not exist before.
Third, many of the players that came to Denver during the Melo Era either did so because Anthony was on the team or became better (JR Smith) by learning from a star player.
And finally, Anthony could have walked away from Denver in the offseason and left the Nuggets getting nothing in return. Granted, a major motivating factor in forcing a trade during the season was that Melo got paid big money now before a new CBA lost him $20 million off his next contract.
Still, he worked with the Nuggets to make sure Denver got the best possible deal in a trade. Melo didn’t run his mouth to the press about how he wanted out, he didn’t involve himself in shady backroom discussions with potential trade partners, and he generally operated with class and honor while defending his right to play basketball in another city.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – don’t hate Melo for making his way to NYC. It was one man’s personal choice. We fans don’t own Anthony, and the Nuggets may even be a better team without a superstar one-on-one specialist gumming up the works.
Don’t hate the player, hate the game… and be sure to give Carmelo Anthony due props when he comes to town with his Knicks next season.
And now, Melo’s letter to his Denver fans as posted on his website earlier today…
Thu, Mar 3, 2011 at 11:35 AM by Admin
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
