Coach Karl’s Corner: Revisiting the Melo trade, 10 years later
Feb 26, 2021, 2:24 PM
This week will mark 10 years since the Nuggets franchise drastically changed, when Carmelo Anthony was traded to New York. I remember so much about that time.
It was the year I was coming back from cancer. I was trying my best to get the team to fully buy in. But instead, I was constantly trying to make so many compromises just to help boost team morale.
After the trade was complete, I could sense a feeling of ease, even a feeling of joy in the locker room. It was like the weight of the outside pressure was seemingly lifted. And I thought that the team showed significant improvement after the trade.
Carmelo was one of the most-gifted players this franchise has seen. After he was selected in the draft, he practically saved this franchise. He made eight straight playoff appearances in his career here, which is quite a feat. He gave this franchise new life. Essentially, he made the Nuggets relevant again.
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Nuggets Current State
In this era of position-less basketball, Nikola Jokic is thriving in this “point center” role. The only person who might be a better passer than Jokic, that I’ve ever coached, was Andre Miller.
He had the ball in his hands a lot, but he controlled our offense much like an NFL QB. I think Jokic will go down as a top-five passer ever in this league.
My only concern about this style of play for Jokic, is that he slows the game down. The game today is faster and more points are being put up, so the slower tempo he brings is limited.
Jokic is taking the next steps to becoming “the guy” for the Nuggets. I see his leadership growing within the team, and his passing helps them build confidence. I just wish he would talk more.
All leaders have a knack for having a quality that separates them from the next guy. Mental toughness for sure being one of those qualities. To lead successfully, he needs to get the NBA mentality.
He can help get Jamal Murray to play to his strengths. When he’s free and in the right headspace, it doesn’t take much for him to heat up.
You want the best player to feel like the best player. At times, I believe that when he’s out there, Jamal overthinks instead of just playing.
