Melo Turning Into a Leader

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Carmelo Anthony's luggage when he returns from Japan will likely include state-of-the art electronics and a shiny gold medal after the world championships conclude. But before taking a 17-hour flight back to Denver, the Nuggets star must not forget to bring home the well-rounded play and leadership skills he has displayed for Team USA.

"I'm going to do whatever I need to do to help this team win a gold medal," Anthony said in a phone interview. "Hopefully, the Nuggets see that, see how hard I'm working over here and I will bring that same mentality into my regular season. I hope they are ready for that."

Anthony has averaged a team-best 19.6 points and scored an American- record 35 points in a comeback win over Italy. He scored a team-high 19 points in a quarterfinal victory over Germany on Wednesday. And get this, he is defending foes at half court, averaging 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 22.1 minutes, shooting 45.9 percent from 3-point range and diving for loose balls.

NBA All-Star Game MVP LeBron James and NBA Finals MVP Dwyane Wade raced past Melo last season. But in Japan, Melo has caught up to his 2003 NBA draft classmates.

How? By being the emotional leader and go-to-guy for Team USA. Not King James. Not D-Wade. Melo. To rise above a long list of NBA all-stars as the best player is a huge statement.

"Everybody is seeing what I'm doing," said Anthony, who believes he has dramatically improved his image during these championships. "Everybody should see that we're all on the same level."

The three-year Nugget has a nickname synonymous with his personality. He isn't a team captain with Denver, but with Team USA he is a vocal tri-captain with James and Wade.

Anthony told his teammates at training camp in Las Vegas to leave their egos outside the gym. He made a voluntary evening practice in Sapporo, Japan, mandatory. And he helped keep his teammates relaxed when Team USA was down at halftime to Italy.

"Any time your best player starts taking responsibility for quality of performance, demanding professionalism in practice and games and maturity and focus, they add wins to your total," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "Most of my teams I coached, my best player isn't my best practice player. It will be interesting to see if Melo wants to take that challenge."

Anthony said he does.

"Leaders set example by working hard and letting everyone see how hard they work. Everyone sees how hard I work on the court. I get along with everybody, but at the same time, I let everybody know the real." </div>

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I've been impressed with Melo's development the past two seasons. I know George Karl has been criticized for being tough on players, but he's been a positive influence on Melo.

In his rookie season, Melo was very immature and had some off the court distractions, and wasn't in shape.

Once Karl came onboard, he immediately had Melo drop weight and condition his body. Melo went on a strict fish only diet to shed the weight and had a career year last season.

Now we've seen him grow again in the Olympics by evolving into the leader of this young team.

His situation reminds me a lot of Paul Pierce and you can't help but cheer for both players.