Fans: Keep Anthony out of trade talks

The recent "A-List" poll question posed in print read, "If you were the new general manager of the Denver Nuggets, would you rule out any trade scenarios that involve forward Carmelo Anthony?"

Based on the voice mail responses I received, the question was interpreted to mean, "Sam Adams says the Nuggets should trade Carmelo -- do you agree?"

For the record, I don't believe that anyone on the Nuggets' roster should be deemed "untouchable" -- not from seeing their efforts in first-round exits during each of the past three playoff years. That includes 'Melo, who has been the Nuggets' main offensive threat since his rookie season in 2003 but a no-show when it comes to the postseason.

Trading Anthony probably won't be seen as popular -- or smart. But I do recall a trade the Nuggets made in 1984, one that bolstered the franchise -- when Kiki Vandeweghe was shipped to Portland for Fat Lever, Wayne Cooper and Calvin Natt. Now there's speculation that Vandeweghe will become the GM at Portland, while the Nuggets try to solve the puzzle that is how to become a legitimate NBA championship contender.

Back to the original poll question -- if you were the Nuggets' new GM, would you rule out a trade scenario involving 'Melo? Seventy-three percent of the voters indicated they would rule out any trade scenarios.

One caller said, "Sam, we need to trade you." Another said, "Why in the world would you trade Carmelo Anthony -- the guy is a franchise player. Trading Carmelo would be the most stupid move in history, I'm telling you, man."

And this, from a caller who would not rule out a trade scenario involving Anthony. "Maybe the coach should go -- he has no respect for (Anthony) whatsoever."

As long as Kenyon gets shipped Nuggets fans should be happy. He's nothing but trouble, whoever said he was tough? This guy whined constantly, I say we give some of his salary to Najera who busted his butt all year with a legitimate injury. All kenyon does is pop his dang collar and he got 95 million for it. Trade him to the Knicks for Rose at least he'll play 75 games.

No how no way, we need shooters and we can get one or two next year via the draft and/or by trading Kenyan. Mello is shaping up to be an all star calibur player but he needs someone to deflect attention away from him and free him up more.

The only way I would trade Melo is if it was a trade like when Kiki was traded. A Melo for Meggette, Livingston, and Mobley deal I'd go for , a Melo for A.I. no way.

I agree nobody is untouchable, If trading Melo means getting Garnett then let it happen. However, the Nuggets perimeter game MUST be addressed otherwise teams will do what the clippers did throughout the series, double and triple team Melo, crowd the paint and make us win from the outside.

By the way I will never forgive Kiki for letting Arenas go to Washington.

I will have to agree with the 73% who ruled against trading Carmelo Anthony. For one thing, Melo is one of the brightest up and coming stars in the league. The fact that last year was actually his breakout year, I don't think he is anywhere close to reaching his peak yet.

Furthermore, some of the greatest players in NBA history struggled in their first few seasons: Even Michael Jordan didn't come into the league instantly winning championships or games for that matter. The Bulls had to slowly build a team around him before becoming one of the greatest dynastys in NBA history.

Now, while I'm not trying to put Carmelo in the same league with Jordan, my point is that it sometimes takes time to build a championship team and the current team that the Nuggets have is NOT built around Carmelo Anthony. What the Nuggets need is to add pieces to the team that allow Melo to excel at what he does best... SCORE POINTS. That means finding a decent point guard (read: Trade Miller), finding better and more consistant shooters to help open the floor and perhaps adding a player who can actually score with his back to the basket in the low post (in my opinion Melo is actually the best post player the Nuggets have right now).

In conclusion: trading Melo would be the most counterproductive thing the Nuggets can possibly do. Most championship teams have a least ONE star quality player, and Melo obviously has the tools to fit that role. What he needs is a better team around him. No more, no less.

You never cease to amaze me with your stupidity. Carmelo Anthony should be given a medal for putting up the numbers he did last year with no help. We are one of the worst shooting teams in the history of basketball and opposing teams just gang up on Anthony. You are an idiot and your lack of basketball knowledge is scary considering you do this for a living.

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