It seems like every day the New Jersey Nets are getting closer to landing All-Star Forward Carmelo Anthony. The Nets now are in talks for a three-team trade with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons.
Ultimately, New Jersey would give up rookie power forward Derrick Favors, former All-Star point guard Devin Harris and several first round draft picks. In return, the Nets would get Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Shelden Williams and Terrico White. Detroit would get center Johan Petro and Troy Murphy whose contract runs out at the end of the season.
Anthony is a very talented player, but is he worth giving up a talented young forward in Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and first round draft picks? In essence, the Nets would be jeopardizing their future to grab headlines today. A team led by Anthony and Brook Lopez could be good, but it is not good enough to beat Miami, Orlando, Boston or even Atlanta.
Anthony is a great player and one of the best scorers in the league. However, he is not a complete NBA player like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. Those three players are not only forces on offense, but they are also terrific defenders who rebound very well and elevate the play of their team.
Anthony has never been a great defender, and for his size, he does not rebound all that well. Although he gets treated and paid like a franchise player, he is best suited as a number two player. Put Anthony on a team with Dwight Howard to make up for HowardÂ’s offensive limitations, and you have a great team.
By giving up first round picks to get Anthony, New Jersey places all of its chips with Anthony and Lopez. That could be a good team, but not a future title contender when considering the fact the New Jersey will not have the draft picks to build around Anthony and Lopez.
By going after Anthony, the Nets seem to be just interested in making a flashy move instead of one that makes sense for building a great team.
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