With Melo or Without Melo? This is the Question

Over the last few months, Carmelo Anthony has been more injured than Tiger Wood’s ego. In this span, the Nuggets have done a very good job of winning without him. It has prompted some fans and experts to wonder not only who the real MVP of the our team is, (Chauncey?), but also whether or not Denver is better off with him on the bench at times. I, especially, have wondered if Melo fits into what Bill Simmons has labeled the “Ewing Theory”.

This theory states that certain players like Patrick Ewing, Drew Bledsoe, and Alex Rodriguez actually benefit their teams by not playing. Simmons sites the ’99 playoffs push for the Knicks in spite of Ewing’s absence and the Patriot’s Super Bowl win without their then starting quarterback Bledsoe. Both of these teams had greater success than first predicated when their supposed stars were injured. Is this what is happening with Carmelo Anthony?

After watching most of the last month and a half sans the Melo Man I have to say we do not play better without him, rather we simply play differently. This difference can translate into success against one team and hardship versus another. Against a team like the Spurs who would prefer us to isolate Melo in the half-court so they can solidify their defense, not having Carmelo forced the Nuggets to move the ball more and keep guys like Ginobili and Duncan on their heels. By that same token, against a team like the OKC Thunder we would prefer to have our leading scorer on the court. Kevin Durant is a player who has come into his own this year and, on his home floor, sets the tempo of games with his own scoring ability. Without Melo to match him with his offensive intensity and possibly put fouls on Durant, the Nuggets seemed helpless out there (I will note that Durant did not have an especially spectacular game against the Nuggets, but I’ll ask you to imagine how the game could have turned had we had the instant offense Melo provides).

Carmelo Anthony also does something else for his team we are just beginning to realize. The Nuggets have settled into their roles this season and their solid identity has allowed them to rack up even more wins than at the same point last year. Chauncey is our floor leader, Kenyon Martin is our defensive stopper, Nene has improved our low post option, Ty Lawson- Chris Andersen give us energy off the bench and J.R. Smith (supposedly) gives us firepower in that same vein. Carmelo has his role too, and it is to give the Nuggets points whenever the other guys are not hitting. Melo is the BEST in the league at driving to the hole and getting fouled to give us some freebies. Last night watching the Nuggets-Kings game I couldn’t help but long for Melo during the first half. Though Karl and the rest of the guys were disappointed in themselves for their lack of defensive zest, I would actually have to blame the 14 point lead on a simple lack of the Nuggets knocking down shots. Couple this with everyone from Kevin Martin to Omri Casspi to Andres Nocioni hitting every three pointer and lay-up and you get a substantial differential.

My only suggestion for Anthony would be to trust his teammates’ scoring abilities a little more. Ball movement on offense has sustained the Nuggets in his absence. Melo is a great passer and has had spurts of assisting in various games this season. It is my own theory that he has gone back to a more stagnant, hold the ball and wait to drive approach as the season has gone on, because he wants to win his first scoring title. He may say it isn’t important to him, but you can see it in his play. What is funny is he was scoring more at the beginning of the year when he was allowing the game to come to him and his teammates. If Melo allows himself to pass off once in a while when he drives, opponents will respect this and he will get more open shots and fewer double teams.

With three games against quality Western Conference opponents looming I could not be readier to have our Beloved Melo come back to the hardwood. Besides, lest we forget, we would have never dreamed of being in this position without him just seven years ago. COME BACK MELO, COME BACK!