This kid id awesome, and now that 'Cuse just won the National Championship, I really don't forsee this freshman phenom staying in school. He's so hyped up already, as is, and I think he'll take his talent to the NBA and becme eligible for the 2003 NBA Draft. I know that the Rox don't have a first rounder this year, but hypothetically, what would we have to do / give up to get a pick that might assure us the rights to Anthony? This guy seems to have that special glow for the game of basketball, and has all the gifts and mindset to maximize his abilities. He would also fill a position of need, as it seems no small forward has really stepped up all year long.
Trade Mobley and Griffin and you might have a slight chance with him. Why don't we draft his team mate Kueth Duany in the 2nd round? He has been playing well in the tournament.
Anthony could be a top 5 or even number one. He has everything you want. He's got senior skills. He's lead a bunch of freshman to the NCAA title. He's still only 20 and has potential growth. He has every single thing you could want out of a Draft pick. Anybody who gets him will be happy. There's nothing limiting him right now. He even proved he could put on 30 pounds in one summer. So he'll do what it takes.
I'm not convinced and still curious to see what he can do when the defender is the same size as he is instead of Royal Ivey or Langford sized. If it were my decision, I'd pursue Caron Butler instead.
Honestly I have little doubt Anthony will be a very tough match-up in the pros. There aren't many 6'8" pros with his quickness. He was burning Langford on quickness as well as size--extremely impressive. Anthony in his match-ups with TJ, Collison and Hinrich showed who was the real player of the year in college basketball-and didn't leave much doubt. I think he will be a fine-to-great pro, somewhere between a Grant Hill/Pippen type and the Big Dog--and better than Butler. Maybe Jamal Mashburn is the best comparison but Anthony seems to have a tad better court vision and first step.
DS - I'm just going to wait with a skeptical eye. I guess the first decision is whether he is going pro now, or waiting. If he goes now, I think he is still behind James and Milicic. Statistically, Anthony could be headed to the Heat (who already have Caron and Rasual), the Clipps (ha, ha, ha, ha), or Toronto (would they move Mo Pete or VC to make room?). After Cleveland and Denver, most of the other Lottery teams have good SF's...Odom, Butler, Carter, Mike Miller, Big Dog, Latrell, Jamison, Rashard...it could mean a big draft day trade involving Anthony. It'll be interesting.
There are not many freshman that come to the NCAA and dominate as well as lead their team to a championship the way Anthony did. His play was awesome in the final four and it did not matter if he was being garded by Royal Ivey (who by the way is regarded as one of the best defenders in college) or 3 players at once. Anthony is clearly the best college player that I have seen in a long time. There is absolutely no way that I think Darco goes before Carmelo. I definitely think that he is causing GM's to second guess looking at Lebron as the best talent in the draft.
Carmelo strikes me as a Glenn Robinson clone. He may end up being a slightly better rebounder, but has he been tested defensively, will his passing skills translate to the NBA game...always question marks, but definitely deserving of a top 5 pick this year. I'd personally prefer him over Caron Butler, but who knows. From what I hear of that Darko kid, I wouldn't mind getting him either, unless he plays soft - the last thing we need is another soft PF.
No way Melo goes over Darko, IMO. SFs are a dime a dozen. Cs with any skill or athleticism aren't. It's the whole reason why Yao was picked over Jay Williams...
first off kidrock8, darko is not a center some say he could be a pf but a lot are saying he is a sf like dirk. not that thats bad but i bet money he will never play center. melo is gonna be the best rookie, but wont end up being the best player from his draft that will be king james.
