Knickerbocker You had a player that desperately wanted to play in New York City. He was not signing with the Denver Nuggets. So they decided to trade him to get something in return.
Of course, no team would give the farm to "rent" Anthony for two months at a title run. At least, not without Anthony agreeing to a contract extension. If nothing else, that's what killed any opportunity for the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets or any other franchise.
And Anthony played everyone like a fiddle. Lebron James has been run through the mud for "The Decision." Well, this was the sequel. I have nothing against Anthony, but let's call a fair game here. Anthony's no different from Lebron or anyone else looking for the best opportunity.
The trade to the New York Knicks directly affects the Dallas Mavericks, however.
The Mavericks are making the playoffs and, should the season end today, their opponent would be the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets scared me because you've got to play in Denver and they're so athletic and mean.
Clearly, sans Anthony, the Nuggets are not nearly as formidible as they otherwise would be. However, I would contend that Aron Affalo, Wilson Chandler, Nene, Chris Andersen, Al Harrington, Ty Lawson, J.R. Smith, Danilo Gallinari and Ray Felton is still a collection of very athletic players that can pile up some points on you. Playing three games in Denver in that mile-high atmosphere will not help.
Of course, this all depends on Denver also making the playoffs. They're a seventh seed and just one game out of the ninth seed. Let's say it takes the Nuggets some time to gel and they run through a tough part of the schedule. By the time George Karl has it figured out, the Nuggets might out of time. And, frankly, I feel no better facing a young Memphis team, Chris Paul's Hornets or Deron Williams' Jazz.
As for the Knicks, the trade knocked them out. It's a better NBA world when the Knicks and Celtics are good and this will make the Knicks good. Unfortunately, they have, arguably, six NBA-caliber guys and they might get worn out until they can sign Williams in the off-season.
Also, the Knicks aren't winning a thing with Mike D'Antoni as coach. There's little doubt the guy is an offensive mastermind. However, there hasn't been an NBA champion in the history of the game that wasn't able to stop an opponent. D'Antoni's teams do not do that. That's what will kill the Knicks when all is said and done.
