Re: Carmelo's maturation has Denver thinking big <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>In a different era, Carmelo Anthony would be an NBA rookie in 2006-07.Instead, he enters his fourth season with the Nuggets as a 22-year-old star who will be asked to take more of a leadership role than ever before."He's almost a veteran now," Denver center Marcus Camby said. "He's produced in this league, and he has a voice on this team. This is his team. This is his franchise, and we all understand that."Anthony's NBA education has included highs and lows common to young men who chose to leave school early.He followed his strong rookie season with a tumultuous second year, only to bounce back strong in 2005-06.Anthony was rewarded with a five-year, $79 million contract extension in July, and he validated his worth by leading Team USA in scoring during the FIBA World Championship in Japan.His strong play overseas helped erase the disappointment of two years earlier when Anthony was a bit player on the 2004 Olympic team, and the good vibes carried over into Nuggets training camp."I think he's much more confident, especially after the summer he had," guard Earl Boykins said. "He got a chance to show people what he's capable of doing. He's much more confident at the beginning of this year than he was last year."After averaging a career-high 26.5 points last season, Anthony has set his sights on three primary goals: 50 victories, an appearance in the NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas and winning a playoff series."It ain't going to be right if I ain't playing in the All-Star Game this year," he said.Coach George Karl is a firm believer that team success will lead to personal accolades, and he is going to demand a lot from Anthony this season.Among Karl's talking points: smart shot selection, a commitment to run the floor and attention to detail on defense."I think everybody sees the great skills that Melo has," Karl said. "Now, can he make the commitment to be a complete, committed professional? From what we've seen since I've been here, the answer to all that is yes."Recognizing Anthony's worth, Karl is installing an offense designed to maximize Anthony's touches. He also is expected to designate Anthony as a team captain."It's time to give the leadership of the team to the guy that's probably going to be here longer than any of us," Karl said.Expect little argument from Camby, Kenyon Martin and Andre Miller, who have served as tri-captains the past two seasons."He's grown up," Martin said. "It's a natural progression for anyone. By the time it's your fourth year, people expect you to (grow up) and he has."For some fans back at Syracuse, Anthony has grown up too fast. Imagine him taking aim at two or three national titles backed by a sea of orange."It would have been fun to try," said Boeheim, who advised Anthony to turn pro after his freshman year. "I hope he continues to play well. I hope Denver keeps getting better."</div>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/...5105688,00.html
Re: Carmelo's maturation has Denver thinking big HE is the leader on this team this year for sure now. Like he said, if he doesn't make the ASG it will be un-american. I like the goals set, 50 wins will hopefully happen this year, ASG will happen, and I think we will finally win a playoff series.
Re: Carmelo's maturation has Denver thinking big First thing that comes to mind when I think of Carmelo Anthony "Maturation" means he has stoped smoking weed
Re: Carmelo's maturation has Denver thinking big <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LAZY @ Nov 16 2006, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>First thing that comes to mind when I think of Carmelo Anthony "Maturation" means he has stoped smoking weed</div>That happened when he found out Lala was pregnant. :happy0144:
