Big Five of Melo

1st Myth

Have you heard zillion times already this season: No team will be there willing to trade for Melo, if not also committed to continue the contract as part of the transaction.

Consider this your invitation to forget what you heard.

The theory assumes that Anthony will finally be able to force his way into the Knicks before the February 24 trade deadline - if it really wants to be, as is widely assumed - because the other 28 teams would not dare to just under Mello rent for the remainder of the 2010-11 campaign near the summer free agent, leaving Denver with no choice but to cooperate with New York.

However, not quite.

"It's funny," says one Western Conference general manager.

A handful of strains of group consultations this week on ESPN.com they believe there are more than a few teams that are in circulation would be willing to trade for Melo's name without an extension, although the risk of loss of Anthony without charge in the July, just as countless observers believe that the league Nuggets will eventually leave and give up.

How is that possible? Like other GM explains, there are always teams willing to bet that a star like Anthony would like their situation they just can not get to town.

I know two such risk-taking groups in Texas alone - Dallas and Houston - which would take the Anthony sans extension if their assets have proved attractive enough to build a team of three (or more) palatable deal in Denver. Orlando is also still assume that such risks, given the obvious temptation pairing with Anthony Dwight Howard. And Charlotte, with pal Michael Mello of Jordan in charge, appear ready to roll even General Mello from various sources front-office.

The Nuggets, though when we get there, will probably prefer to trade with a team of Mello wants to join the long run because they receive more in return. Funds from the highest quality would be difficult to reach agreement not to expand trade, as GMs call.

The fact remains, however, that the extension is not everything, as once thought, too.

The second back pocket

Another reason for Denver does not have to deal only if the Knicks eventually concluded that trade is inevitable?

Many managers still believe that major projects in the Denver-bound original structure of trade in four groups emerged and then collapsed in late September - Nets rookie Derrick Favors and at least two future first-round choices - to remain available to the Nuggets and will be available from today until the deadline trade.

I'm not sure I agree completely, as my parting thanks seems kind of teaching young people the advantage that the Nets can not give no extension in place. But the consent of the vine GM.

Third Preference

My husband Ric Bucher said in a debate last Friday and heard the same thing: Anthony is more than content to play the entire season in Denver, instead of bargaining in the next 90 days something. And the Nuggets know.

Mello logic makes little sense, too. Sticking it out with the Nuggets for the remainder of the season will allow him to choose the next destination, without restrictions on free agency - Once you get past the annoying obstacle to a possible disease next summer - and also prevents the group selects all exhausted from what was supposed to be delivered in accordance with Mello.

He said a West exec: "The hard part is to find groups willing to bet on Mello challenge is to have what Denver wants to be able to complete transactions without killing your team you can not destroy the your list .. and just take it back. It is simply a guarantee that they will leave. "

The latest fourth goal

Perhaps the goal is not the best choice of words, Nuggets made it clear that they now bid for Anthony.

It is not that far Nuggets consultant Bret Bearup capsized earlier this month, completing a clear front-office who earlier claimed that Mark Warkentien and Rex Chapman, and if Bearup is tucked away in the strongest organization of the vote in favor of trade.

Sources close to the situation claim that Josh Kroenke Nuggets chairman and new chief executives Masai Ujiri would not even consider the possibility of moving Mello, before December 15, when players who signed new contracts during the summer to become eligible for added to the occupation first. And the word is still in the middle of December is much earlier than the Nuggets are willing to move with officials of the team is clinging to hope - as remote as it sounds - that will start looking like more than one hard to pin candidate at that time ever important men Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen returned from his knee injury.

However, there are several names known to the intrigue of the pieces in those moments when you apply yourself to think about life minus Mello, as stated in this cyberspace a few weeks back when an interest in any kind of untouchable Nicolas Batum was detailed.

Another name for the list of Nuggets »fantasy targets in three-team (or more) of the trade scenario, I have said, is Danny Granger, Indiana. However, sources said Granger, like Batum, brings 'available' stamp.

The Pacers, as you can imagine, made it clear that they have zero interest in serving as the third team in a deal costing Anthony Granger and land somewhere else. And India is not one of those teams willing to trade for Anthony not sign an extension, which only adds to the idea that Granger is impossible.

5th The Optimist

It can be a huge surprise after what he experienced in his battle against cancer of the throat and neck, but that's another fact: Nuggets coach George Karl removes positive for his team, despite his condition easier than ever.

Cynics will say that its Carl's desire to keep players at this position, but Karl will not simply surrender to the belief that Anthony can even imagine to commit to three years, $ 65,000,000 was extended to table since June. Team officials were cautiously confident about the time of the draft that Mello is on the verge of signing the ... while LeBron James and Chris Bosh landed on South Beach early wing Dwyane Wade and change not only the stage of the championship, but also how the biggest names in Team USA look at team building.

The undersized granules are scuffling along at 6-6, having dropped four straight road games since November 6 quality wins Dallas. But Anthony is true, committed to Carl and helped him continue to have relations - averaging 24.1 points and Melo career-best 9.3 boards - in terms of subjects and the control and speculation will not go away .

"I'm enjoying it, man,« Melo told me two weeks after a road victory over the Mavs. «If we win, I'm enjoying it."

"It's great," insists Carl.

An amazing 54-point third quarter of Denver surrendered to Indiana on November 9 seems to be the first warning sign to support thinking know-it-alls like me, who came in the season confident this team will not be able Mello Drama withstand and ultimately unravel ... except that the Nuggets rallied in the home two nights later to deal with the Lakers first loss.

NBA : Injured Nash Could Cripple Suns in Orlando

Orlando can concentrate on the pain

Soler has been very good to start 6-5, including wins over the Lakers. Good times seem to come to stop squeaky but thanks to Steve Nash to beat up. Nash battled through a groin injury against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, played only 29 minutes and recording just two assists. Nash is the Suns straws.

Without him, they are much more dangerous on offense. It came as little surprise that the Heat cruise past the Phoenix team were injured in an explosion 123-96.

Orlando is hardly lacking in star power and the Magic should be able to take advantage of an injury concern Suns. "Orlando is sloppy for most of the first round in his last outing, 89-72 victory over Memphis on Monday, and had some concerns about the shooting.

JJ Redick did not play in win over Grizzlies and held out of practice on Wednesday. His absence will greatly limit the choice of the Magic shot. Dwight Howard, but is averaging a career-high 21.2 points, while Orlando has been dominate on the inside.

Phoenix should be able to interact with the Magic more than they did against Miami, but eventually I expect the same result. Bet on the Orlando Magic as a -9.5 favorite with Sports Interaction.

Important match-up for Denver and Portland

The Trail Blazers Greg Oden did not so much from her design in 2007 and Portland fans have never seen so up for the Blazers again. Oden out for another season with a knee injury and likely will go into an independent body in summer and only played 82 times for Portland.

Damage to Brandon Roy is now a more pressing concern for NBA betting fans. Roy crucial defensive presence to Portland and will miss the night of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday.

Carmelo Anthony has been enjoying great success against Portland this year, but tonight Nene needs to prove the decisive factor.

After dominating the Knicks on Tuesday with 17 points and 5 rebounds, Brazil can expect another great big nights on the road.

Denver wants to dominate inside, creating more space for Melo and Al Harrington to take control. Bet on Denver Nuggets as a 2.5 underdog with Sports Interaction.

NBA 2010-2011 Predictions

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers, 57 wins

Still easily the best in the West, as long as Kobe is healthy. I believe they are the only team that has the horses to challenge the Heat in the postseason.

2. San Antonio Spurs, 53 wins

Parker should be healthier, Ginobili should be healthy (stop me if you have heard that before), and Duncan is still there. The addition of Tiago Splitter should help in the wide open race for the 2 seed.

3. Portland Trailblazers, 52 wins

Greg Oden being healthy would be a big boost, as he is sneakily one of the best rebounders in the NBA. However, that doesn't seem likely to happen for a full season.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder, 51 wins

Everything went right health wise for the Thunder last season. I predict things won't go quite as well this year. However, their core should keep improving as Kevin Durant wins the MVP award.

5. Dallas Mavericks, 51 wins

It seems like they never go away... another 50 win season awaits.

6. Houston Rockets, 49 wins

One of my favorite teams. Will everyone be happy with their minutes? They have a lot of good players, and it will be tough to keep to a rotation. Having Yao back will be a big boost.

7. Utah Jazz, 49 wins

If Al Jefferson is healthy, the Jazz shouldn't miss a beat. However, I'm assuming there will be a little transition.

8. Phoenix Suns, 46 wins

The feel good story of last season, they won't be quite as good, but Nash can still navigate them to the playoffs, maybe for the last time.

9. Denver Nuggets, 44 wins

No depth up front, drama around Carmelo, not a lot of defense... smells like just missing the postseason for the Nugs.

10. New Orleans Hornets, 41 wins

If Chris Paul is healthy, he could easily lead them to the postseason even with a mediocre roster. Remember, the guy had one of the best seasons we have ever seen from a PG... New Orleans will be doing everything possible to convince Paul to want to stay in the Big Easy.

11. Los Angeles Clippers, 38 wins

On paper, they should challenge for a playoff spot, especially with Blake Griffin. However, we know that these games aren't played on paper, but by the little men in our TV sets, which usually means things don't go well for the Clips.

12. Memphis Grizzlies, 36 wins

They have a solid pieces, but no depth. Still, they should be able to semi-maintain the feel good play of last season. Still not enough to get back to the postseason, but it will be fun to watch Grizz games.

13. Sacramento Kings, 31 wins

Tyreke Evans was very good as a rookie last season, and he will have DeMarcus Cousins down low with him. They are starting to build some young talent, but they are still a year at least away from competing.

14. Golden State Warriors, 31 wins

They will at least be fun to watch with Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, and David Lee. Unfortunately, with their defense, they will also be fun to play against.

15. Minnesota Timberwolves, 20 wins

They have some nice young pieces (Kevin Love could win a rebounding title sooner rather than later), but there is not enough to avoid the cellar.