NBA FanHouse

Nuggets Take Carmelo Anthony Off the Table He Was Allegedly Never On in the First Place

Tom Ziller — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Rumors, Denver

As quickly as Carmelo Anthony's future with Denver was put into question due to a "promise you won't trade me, or trade me!" demand reported Saturday, Carmelo Anthony's future with Denver has apparently been settled. ESPN's Chris Broussard follows up on his original report:

The agent for Carmelo Anthony says the Denver Nuggets have told him they will not trade the two-time All-Star forward this summer. "He's not going to be moved," Calvin Andrews said in a telephone interview Sunday. "It's not happening. We've been given assurances from the owner on down."

Of course, this is the same agent who a) has already insisted 'Melo wouldn't be traded this summer, before Denver considered a lofty offer from the Pistons, and b) has been removed as Anthony's point-man on endorsements and marketing, yet still took credit for Anthony's latest shoe deal. Not to besmirch the good name of Calvin Andrews, but yeah ...

Broussard's reportage always comes through with intriguing peripheral details. In this one: coach George Karl allegedly wants to consider trading 'Melo, but the other decision-makers remain opposed to dumping a 24-year-old who averages nearly 25 points per game for his career on 46% shooting, with 6 rebounds thrown in for good measure. The gall of those fools, hanging on to one of the best scorers in the game who exists on his pittance of a post-rookie max deal.

Nuggets Take Carmelo Anthony Off the Table He Was Allegedly Never On in the First Place originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Carmelo Wants to Know If He's Being Traded

Tom Ziller — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:04:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, Nuggets, NBA Rumors, Denver

Carmelo Anthony has heard all the rumors. As interested observers always hoping to see the Earth shake, we love seeing them. As someone whose life might be uprooted at any moment, 'Melo wishes it would all go away. As such, ESPN's Chris Broussard reports Anthony has demanded a meeting with Nuggets brass to assert what, if anything, is going on here. Broussard writes:

[Anthony's] desire is to stay in Denver and he wants assurances from the Nuggets that they will not trade him. Anthony's party expects to get those assurances on Monday, according to the sources. If the Nuggets don't commit to building around Anthony -- and instead demonstrate a willingness to trade him -- he will ask to be moved.

So basically, some crackpot ideas out of New Jersey and a reported offer of Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince from Detroit has knocked 'Melo into this period of personal despair? Broussard reports the Nugs have not been offering 'Melo up in any way.

Pardon the nostalgia, but this reminds me of the time Ron Artest heard a rumor the Pacers wanted to trade him, and then demanded a trade. There was no smoke in Indiana before Artest's wacky demand, and there really doesn't look to be any smoke in Denver now -- especially taking Broussard's account into account, as it's the most assertive dispatch on Detroit's designs on 'Melo to this point.

If all this faux-desperation from Anthony's camp isn't (in part) the result of some madness concerning his unstable representation situation, I'll eat Von Wafer's hat.

Carmelo Wants to Know If He's Being Traded originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

AI Won't Opt Out, But What's Next for Denver?

Matt Watson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:48:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Rumors, Denver

Allen Iverson had until today to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Denver Nuggets, and his agent Leon Rose just confirmed to the Rocky Mountain News that his client will play out his current deal, which will pay him more than $20 million in 2008-09. This was certainly expected -- Iverson has said he wanted to remain all season, and Marcus Camby predicted his teammate would return earlier this week -- but you can never take anything for granted.

Just because Iverson decided against opting out doesn't mean he'll necessarily be playing in Denver next year: his hefty expiring deal is an interesting bargaining chip for teams looking to make a move, and guys like Carmelo Anthony and Camby have also been mentioned in their share of rumors. Plus J.R. Smith, whom AI is essentially blocking from the starting lineup, is a restricted free agent -- while Denver's up-and-down style of play fits his game, he may be able to find a starting gig elsewhere.

Even if the Nuggets can't find a blockbuster to their liking, expect at least a small deal: ESPN's Chad Ford reported a rumor yesterday involving the Grizzlies sending Kyle Lowry and the 28th overall pick to Denver for Linas Kleiza. That deal coud. make sense for both teams, considering Grizzlies' glut of point guards and the fact that Anthony Carter, the Nuggets' starter last year, is now a free agent. Whatever happens, expect the Nuggets to be one of this summer's most active teams.

AI Won't Opt Out, But What's Next for Denver? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Someone, Somewhere, Really Thinks Melo to Detroit Is a Good Idea

Matt Moore — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:54:00 EST

Filed under: Pistons, Nuggets, NBA Rumors, Denver, Detroit

From the pages of this year's edition of "Trade Rumors That Seem To Spring From The Ether And Return As Quickly" comes a lovely bit of speculation regarding Carmelo Anthony. There have been whispers and insinuations for a few days about Melo potentially being traded to Detroit for some set of pieces.

Combine that with Woody Paige and his WACKY ANTICS(!) and you've got yourself a legitimate piece of buzz. Except Paige's proposal, involving, among others, Anthony, Marcus Camby, Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince (yes, all of them) doesn't work according to the cap rules. Nor according to logical thought (a far fetched concept in NBA GMs, I know, but we're talking Dumars, here). Not according to Melo's agent. It does not work on a train, it does not work on a plane. It does not work with the freight, it does not work with BAC of .148. It will not work, Woody You Are, it does not work, not by far.

It seems that more and more the trades that involve two teams talking to each other repeatedly almost never fall through. Conversely, big trades that just "spring up" like the Shaquille O'Neal trade or even the Pau Gasol heist are much more effective. But if you're a fan of the "where there's smoke, there's Carmelo Anthony" approach, throw this one on the pile, see if it lights.

Someone, Somewhere, Really Thinks Melo to Detroit Is a Good Idea originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Ty Lawson's Arrest Causes a Denver Snub

Tom Ziller — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:24:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Draft, NBA Police Blotter, Denver

Last week, UNC point guard product Ty Lawson got arrested for allegedly driving with some alcohol in his blood and committing sundry other violations (like having his music too loud). Note: it wasn't a DUI. But Lawson had been drinking, and he's not yet 21. So it's criminal.

Lawson, already settling into the lower part of the first round, had to think his stake might slide. Various reports prior to the incident had Lawson aimed at pick #20, which belongs to Denver. The Nuggets play up-tempo ball and have a desperate need at the point. They also have some recent, painful history with respects to drinking and driving, if you'll remember Carmelo Anthony's unfortunate postseason arrest.

And guess what? Hoopsworld's Travis Heath reports this evening that Denver has revoked its invitation to Lawson for a team workout. Lawson was supposed to be in Denver this weekend, but the Nuggets told him to stay home. While it doesn't mean Lawson won't get drafted, it almost certainly means the Nuggets ain't biting.

That's a bit of a problem, as Lawson has said he'll only stay in if he's projected in the top 20. Again, Denver picks #20. Taking one of the few options that high -- and seemingly the most likely, before the arrest -- means Lawson might not meet his goal. Will he go back to Chapel Hill? Will he fall into the second round and end up as a 13th man or NBDL assignee?

Ty Lawson's Arrest Causes a Denver Snub originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 20:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

How a Contract Extension For Allen Iverson Could Save Denver Some Cash

Tom Ziller — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Rumors, Denver

Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News punches in a piece asserting the Nuggets and the camp of Allen Iverson have discussed a contract extension which could keep The Answer in Denver through 2010-2011 (or longer). On first glance, already salary-addled Denver would seem to be adding to its burden. But Tomasson notes this deal could save the Nugs some cash next year.

Obviously, a key factor would be what the contract numbers might be. If Iverson, in exchange for additional contract years, were to sign a new deal that paid him $5 million less next season, the Nuggets would save $10 million due to the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax.

As the frequency of major trades has ticked upward in recent years, there seems to a vogue toward erasing payroll (and its associated luxury tax pain) in the immediate term with the hope you can tinker around the edges later. This sort of plan -- increase the length of your financial burden with A.I., but find a way to shrink your obligations for just next year -- does just that. Sure, 2010-11 looks like it will suck, with $17 owed to Carmelo Anthony, $16 million for Kenyon Martin, and $11 million for Nene. But there's plenty of time to worry about that; the key is finding some breathing room in 2008-09.

It doesn't hurt that Iverson is precisely the sort of player who won't likely see his trade value fall over a cliff one of these summers. A.I. had a good season in Denver, and despite what you've heard Denver had a good season. This is a smart move (depending on the dollars).

And Tomasson doesn't mention it, but ... there exists the possibility that A.I. opts out in order to take Denver's deal, but another team steps in to offer more money. There's no indication A.I. would leave, but you can never bet against teams taking extreme measures to land a talent like Iverson.

How a Contract Extension For Allen Iverson Could Save Denver Some Cash originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 31 May 2008 10:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Carmelo's Agent Suggests Nuggets Management Not Brain Dead

Matt Moore — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:36:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Rumors, Denver

Calvin Andrews is the agent for Carmelo Anthony, and he's had it up to to here with all this poppycock. Okay, he didn't actually say that, but he did tell the Rocky Mountain News that Carmelo Anthony was not being shopped in trade talks with the New Jersey Nets.

The best part about any NBA trade is the part where no one knows anything and there's nothing going on and everyone's denying it until it happens. Which is just as likely as nothing coming of it at all. It's like trying to predict the weather, in a cave, in a coffin, deep, deep in the cold,cold ground. However, there was more than one source claiming that the Nets deal was a conceivable approach, and in an offseason where Nuggets management is feeling the heat for drastic change, there isn't a bigger change that can be made than trading Anthony.

The Nuggets are at an impasse. Their current roster clearly isn't going to get it done, but keeping Melo through another rebuilding stint with his notorious opt-out clause for the Free Agent Armageddon of 2010 could be a risky proposition. We'll keep an eye out to see if Andrews is telling the truth or spinning the PR for his client.

Carmelo's Agent Suggests Nuggets Management Not Brain Dead originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 22 May 2008 03:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Denver Nuggets Approaching Critical Mass, Aiming to Trade Melo?

Matt Moore — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:06:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Rumors, Denver

After a rather humiliating sweep in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers following a rather mediocre regular season, Denver Nuggets fans wanted change. Be careful what you wish for, for ye will surely get it.

In a report this morning by the North Jersey Record, there is a blockbuster trade being worked on between the New Jersey Nets and the Nuggets that would send Carmelo Anthony, yes, Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby to New Jersey in exchange for Richard Jefferson, Marcus Williams, Keith Van Horn and his faux-contract, and the Nets potential lottery pick.

Take a sec to let that idea sink in. I'll give you a few.

Okay.

So beyond the obvious prospect of trading away the player that was long considered their franchise player and one of the league's leading scorers, the Nuggets are also considering throwing in a former Defensive Player of the Year that is still able to do things like, you know, defend. In return they are talking about a 27 year old solid small forward, but after that it's a rookie prospect, some cap room, and a draft pick that is likely to be around the eleventh. In order for this to work, the Nuggets would have to make a pretty big splash in both the draft and free agency. We're talking "max contract offer to Elton Brand" level of splash. If that weren't to happen, where does this leave Allen Iverson? Carrying the burden for a group of underachievers and a few talented pieces? Haven't we seen this script before? The Nets, on the other hand, would instantly have a ton of talent, and still have a first rounder. They would then start a lineup of Devin Harris, Vince Carter, Carmelo Anthonyge, Krstic, and Marcus Camby, with a late 1st round draft pick, Josh Boone, and reasonable cap flexibility within a few years with Melo's player option and Carter's expiring. Wowzers.

Ah, trade season's back. How we missed it. Let the rumors fly!

Denver Nuggets Approaching Critical Mass, Aiming to Trade Melo? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 19 May 2008 15:06:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Lakers at Nuggets, Game 4

Matt Moore — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, Western, NBA Playoffs, Denver, Los Angeles

In another of our continuing series, five things to keep an eye out for tonight in the Lakers-Nuggets game tonight.

1. Dear God, Make It End: You know those scenes in The Office, where it's too painful to watch? Yeah, this series has been like that. Yes, watching Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom play keep-away is pretty exciting, and don't get me wrong, Kobe dropping 49 always makes for good television. But having to watch as the Denver Nuggets implode on national television just makes you feel bad for them. Carmelo Anthony admits the entire team quit, and George Karl's already updated his resume at this point. At some point, you just want the misery to end. Yes, a victory would salvage some level of pride, but really, is it worth it to prolong the inevitable?

2. What Does The Future Hold?: This game could tell a lot about where the Nuggets are headed. If they get swept, you have to anticipate a reboot/detonation of the current core. Likewise, if trailing 3-0, at home, trying to avoid a sweep, after that disgusting display in Game 3, if the Nuggets are unable to formulate any sort of passion, pride, or sense of self-dignity, it's curtains for George Karl. There may be no way to avoid that possibility at this point, anyway, but a blowout loss tonight would actually make it difficult not to let Karl go.

3. The Creamy Middle: Let's say you're the Lakers, and you're searching for some sort of motivation for this game, beyond the sheer fun of wiping Denver off the map and striking fear into the souls of men. Your biggest concern right now is your interior defense. You're looking at a probably matchup with the Utah Jazz, who feature four players (Carlos Boozer, Andre Kirilenko, Mehmet Okur, and Paul Millsap) with phenomenal size and interior passing abilities. Kenyon Martin is averaging 9 points against you, and he has about .785 legs at this point. Shutting down the ability for slashers to get in the paint and the put backs is important. The Lakers have given up the most offensive boards in the playoffs so far. If they want something to improve on, as hard as it is to find, that's it.

4. For The Last Time, Kleiza: I'm really not sure how much more I have to say this. In the opening minutes of Game 3, Linas Kleiza was guarding Kobe Bryant. He stuck with him and when his teammate made the steal, he bolted down the floor, made the steal, and got the easy dunk to set off the Nuggets crowd. Then, of course, we went back to Kenyon Martin and Eduardo Najera. Sigh. The only way to effectively limit Kobe with the personnel that Denver has is to make Kobe run a lot on defense. And the best way to do that is to nudge at him with Kleiza. Kleiza is also about the only Nugget who seems committed to actually exerting effort and fighting, and has been performing consistently above his talent level. But hey, why not go with Eduardo Najera. That's worked well so far.

5. Going To A Gunfight With A Pocket Knife: You need key shooters in the playoffs. It's kind of important. The Nuggets? They have the highest negative three point field goals made differential in the playoffs. Ugh. That's not good at all. This is where Allen Iverson/Carmelo Anthony as a team becomes a problem. Iverson is a slash and driver. He has a terrific crossover, of course, and nice shooting touch. But his job is to create on offense. That takes away one guard. The Nuggets have no defense, so they need Kleiza on the floor. But Kleiza is really a three, playing the two. So that's another guard. Melo doesn't have the range. So you now have no three point shooters on the floor. J.R. Smith led the Nuggets in three point shooting this year, but they can't get him into the starting rotation either, because Melo can't play the 4. So essentially you have your two star players who you can't bring off the bench, who can't provide any help in an area that you're desperate for. You can't bring on your shooter because you need size and defense, which your guards can provide none of, and you can't go to a small lineup because your star forward can't get nasty, rebound, and be effective on defense. Whew. And there you have it. Have I mentioned how much more fun it would have been if the Warriors had made the playoffs?

5 Things to Keep an Eye on: Lakers at Nuggets, Game 4 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

George Karl, Nuggets Fighting With Each Other

Tom Ziller — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, NBA Playoffs, Denver

Who said the Nuggets didn't have any fight in them Saturday afternoon as the Lakers smoked them? Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson each ripped coach George Karl after the game, and Karl fired back himself. Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News offers an A.I. quote, who reacted to being benched for the final 11 minutes of the game.

"To not go back in, I don't understand that,'' Iverson said. "And (Karl) didn't even say nothing to me even afterward . . . I played every game with a broken finger and all. I always came to play, every game we had. So why not tell me nothing?''

'Melo didn't wait for the post-game, according to Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times.

How can the Lakers judge their playoff acumen if they are beating a Nuggets team whose most energetic moment Saturday occurred in the fourth quarter when their coach George Karl was being heckled? "Just don't sit there!"

The heckler's name? Carmelo Anthony.

'Melo also told the Mountain News the entire team quit, from the coaches to the players. Coach Karl disagreed ... well, at least in defense of himself.

"Well, I don't think I quit. I quit on not passing the ball,'' said Karl, when asked about Anthony's post-game comments. "In the fourth quarter. I tried to find some answers. I tried to find, 'Is Chucky (Atkins) going to help us?' . . . I think Melo's emotional right now. He's frustrated right now, as we all are. And keeping our composure and a maturity to it is probably the best way to go.''

Fun times, Denver!

NBA's Memorable Fights and Feuds

See the most memorable brawls and feuds in NBA history

Bad Blood in NBA History

As the Nuggets were pushed to the brink of elimination, star Carmelo Anthony, right, reportedly heckled head coach George Karl by yelling "Just don't sit there!" during Saturday night's game. The scuffle between Karl and Anthony is just the latest in a long line of memorable NBA feuds.

Jeff Gross, Getty Images

Mavericks player Jerry Stackhouse poured fuel on a fiery rivalry between Dallas and New Orleans when he tore into Hornets coach Byron Scott, right, and called him a "sucker" in a radio interview last week.

Getty Images (2)

One of the most infamous incidents in NBA history took place in 2004, when Ron Artest, right, was suspended 73 games for starting the "Malice in the Palace" brawl during the Pacers' game in Detroit.

Allen Einstein, NBAE via Getty Images

NBA coach P.J. Carlesimo, right, had a rocky stint with the Warriors in the late 1990s, highlighted by a notorious attack by Latrell Sprewell, left, during a 1997 practice. Sprewell choked Carlesimo for nearly 15 seconds until being pulled off by several teammates.

Getty Images (2)

Ten players were ejected in a December 2006 fight between Denver and New York when the Knicks took exception to what they felt was the Nuggets running up the score.

Frank Franklin II, AP

The Knicks and Heat had a couple of unforgettable battles during their matchups of the late '90s. One of the most indelible playoff moments came when Alonzo Mourning, right, brawled Charles Oakley in 1998 with New York coach Jeff Van Gundy wrapped around his leg.

Mark Lennihan, AP

Back in 2002, Shaquille O'Neal, then with the Lakers, tried to go after Brad Miller, right, but couldn't connect with a punch. The players received
three-game suspensions for their scrap.

Fred Jewell, AP

The Suns and Spurs have been the NBA's most bitter rivals over the last couple of years. Suns star Amare Stoudemire, right, took the rivalry to a new level when he called the Spurs dirty and said he might want Bruce Bowen's home address.

Getty Images

Former players Tyrone Hill, left, and Charles Oakley banged under the boards plenty of times. But their matchup took a personal twist when Oakley ran up to Hill during pre-game warmups in 2001 and whacked him from behind over a reported gambling debt.

Tom Mihalek, AFP/Getty Images

NBA greats Charles Barkley, right, and Bill Laimbeer were each fined $20,000 for their roles in a fight during a 1990 playoff game, which was a record for the NBA at the time.

Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE via Getty Images

George Karl, Nuggets Fighting With Each Other originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Behind the Scenes of the Lakers/Nuggets Series: Iverson Has Words for Reporters

Elie Seckbach — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:45:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, Western, NBA Videos, Denver, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video, Nuggets All Star Allen Iverson has some tips for reporters. Around 1:22 into the video Lakers Center Pau Gasol tells us what makes him happy.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

Behind the Scenes of the Lakers/Nuggets Series: Iverson Has Words for Reporters originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 04:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Kenyon Unconcerned With Kobe's Mood

Tom Ziller — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:52:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, Denver, Los Angeles

Via You Been Blinded, a Denver news station captured Kenyon Martin's response to question about the plausibility of Martin's post-Game 1 trash talk about Kobe Bryant spurring K.B.'s 49-point explosion in Game 2.

We should note Kobe reportedly does not care whether Kenyon cares whether Kobe is angry.* In fact, Kobe warns in this Los Angeles Times piece that Denver's emotional state may help the Nuggets to a Game 3 win. I think the pending result has less to do with emotions than it does the ability of Denver to hit some threes (29% so far) and stop L.A. from shooting so well. We'll see.

Though of course if we must discuss "emotion," let's not forget the Denver crowd owes Kobe a chant, yes?

* This is made up.

Kenyon Unconcerned With Kobe's Mood originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Doing Lines: Where Kobe Tells Everyone to Get Off CP3's Jock Happens

Matt Watson — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:20:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, Western, NBA Playoffs, Denver, Los Angeles

Every now and again there are some stupendous, silly, stupid, or downright outlandish individual lines from around the L. Doing Lines lets you know which one tops the list.

The title isn't really mine -- I swiped it from an email Brett Edwards sent me as he was leaving the Staples Center last night. Watching Kobe Bryant pour in 49 points was impressive enough on TV, but it must have been nuts in person.

The amazing thing is that Bryant didn't have to dominate the ball: he scored all his buckets by shooting 18-27 from the field (5-9 from three-point land, 8-9 from the stripe) and still finished with a game-high 10 assists.

Maybe he was feeling it, or maybe he was starting to resent all the love Chris Paul has been getting lately and needed to remind everyone who "The Man" was. Either way, Lakers fans will take it, especially with their team moving to 2-0 in the series.

Also Receiving Votes:
All the way on the other end of the spectrum is Andre Iguodala, who finished with just four points (1-9 from the field, 2-2 from the line) and one measly rebound in 31 minutes against the Pistons, who evened the series to 1-1. It's never easy for anyone to try scoring on Tayshaun Prince, but it's not often you see any team's leading scorer fail to crack five points on any given night. Maybe Gilbert Arenas was right ...

Josh Smith came through with a solid all-around effort on Wednesday, scoring 13 with eight boards, four blocks, three assists and two steals. His scoring doesn't really stand out ... until you realize he actually tied for the team lead. Yeah, the Celtics are just toying with the Hawks, clamping down on them Wednesday by allowing just 77 points and forcing 21 turnovers (including five by Smith). It'll be over soon, fellas, just two more games, hang in there.

Doing Lines: Where Kobe Tells Everyone to Get Off CP3's Jock Happens originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Carmelo Anthony Gets a Reality TV Show, His PR People Think the Nuggets Are Out Already

Will Brinson — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Gossip, NBA Media Watch, NBA Playoffs, Denver

The beauty of celebrity, even if it's "athlete-celebrity" status, is that you can land yourself a reality television show just by being mildly recognizable to the general public. Now, Carmelo Anthony has greater pull than that; he's perceived as an edgier figure that regularly makes the normal news rotation, and someone that most people would recognize. Hence, he's landing his own show, Carmelo's Way.

Great name, great personality, although they might want to hold off on dropping the trailer tagline thing for at least a few more games.

After a 2007 NBA season filled with career highs, unfortunate lows, and constant change, Carmelo prepares for life in 2008 and beyond, with a new approach to the game and a new perspective on life. He begins to realize that people know Melo, but do they really know Melo?

In other words, this is a straight PR spin following Anthony's DUI charge. It is the truth though -- as mentioned above, people tend to think about Melo as some sort of rogue athlete, simply because of the general public view that he gets tagged with. So on that count, I totally back what he's doing here, although I also fully expect to see some pretty cookie cutter situations that he lands in.

Of course, his PR people should really think about not proclaiming the 2007 NBA season over for Carmelo until the Nuggets are at least eliminated. We know the Lakers are going to roll them out, but admitting it this early kind of leaves a stale taste in my mouth. No, I don't think Melo is going to quit trying, and yes, I understand that his PR peeps are forward thinking here, but still. Not holding off on releasing the website to the general public gives me the impression that this was cobbled together between the DUI and now, and that's just bad public relations.

H/T: Epic Carnival

Carmelo Anthony Gets a Reality TV Show, His PR People Think the Nuggets Are Out Already originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Exclusive: George Karl Interview

Elie Seckbach — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, NBA Videos, Denver, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video, George Karl of the Denver Nuggets talks about what makes his players giggle. During the interview coach Karl gets pretty emotional when talking about his relationship with his son Coby, a member of the Lakers.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

Exclusive: George Karl Interview originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Laker Fans Chant 'DUI' at Carmelo Anthony

Will Brinson — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Lakers, Western, NBA Fans, NBA Playoffs, NBA Last Night, Denver, Los Angeles

When Carmelo Anthony strode up to the free throw line last night, Laker fans decided to chant "D-U-I" loudly as he shot free throws during the playoff opener between the two teams. Classy, Los Angeles, real classy. According to the OC Register, the gesture left "Lakers executive vice president Jeanie Buss wide-eyed with her hand covering her mouth." As it should.

Of course, maybe they're trying to pull of some insane reverse psychology move that will cause Kobe Bryant to score 140 points in Denver. Because, as you may recall, Kobe has dealt with some stuff near there before. Now, I'm not saying I think the Nuggets fans will chant "A-DUL-TRY" or "EA-GLE CR-EEK" every time Mamba touches the ball, but you best believe they are going to be yelling something when he comes back to Denver. Which will, predictably, end up with him absolutely going off on the Nuggets.

Via SBB

Laker Fans Chant 'DUI' at Carmelo Anthony originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Allegedly, 'Melo Was Really Drunk

Tom Ziller — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Police Blotter, Denver

Carmelo Anthony's recent DUI continues to look worse and worse, even though DUIs look pretty damn bad in the first place. On the eve of the playoffs for the Nuggets, Denver's CBS affiliate quotes the police report from 'Melo's arrest as saying Anthony's drunkenness was "extreme."

Those involved in the case said Anthony badly failed every roadside sobriety test that was administered. When he was asked to take nine steps, heel to toe, then turn around and take another nine steps, he forgot to perform the second half of the maneuver, according to police. CBS4 has also learned that when he was asked to stand on one leg, he swayed, put his foot down and "gave up," telling an officer, "I don't have good balance."

Later, when police were interviewing Anthony, they asked him if he knew where he was. "No clue," he told police.

Memorable Sports Mugshots

See the most infamous mugshots in sports history

Memorable Sports Mugshots

Stefon Jackson: The UTEP star and the NCAA's seventh-leading scorer was arrested for hindering apprehension or prosecution into a shooting that wounded five people in New Castle, Penn. Police believe Jackson's cousin was the shooter.

El Paso County Sheriff's Office
Carmelo Anthony: Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony is arrested on suspicion of driving under the infleunce after being pulled over for weaving and failing to dim his lights.

Denver Police Department / AP
Carl Eller: The former Vikings great is charged Thursday with fourth-degree assault and making terroristic threats following a run-in with police officers. Click through for more recent sports-related mugshots.

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office/AP
Kenny Wright: The Browns defensive back was arrested April 3 after being chased on foot by police. He faces misdemeanor charges of unlawful restraint, evading arrest and pot possession.

Pearland Police Department/AP
Chris Henry: The receiver is accused of punching an 18-year-old in the face and smashing a window with a beer bottle. He was released from the Bengals shortly after his arrest April 3.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
Josh Booty: The former LSU quarterback was tased by police in February when he became combative after being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Orange County Sherriff's Office / AP
Jim Leyritz: The 1996 World Series hero was arrested in December on charges of driving under the influence and killing another driver when his vehicle crashed into hers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Broward County Sheriff's Office/AP
Adam "Pacman" Jones: The troubled Titans player surrendered last summer for his connection to a triple shooting at a Las Vegas strip club. He later crafted a plea deal, accepted probation and agreed to testify against the other people involved.

Las Vegas Police/AP
Tony La Russa: The Cardinals manager was found asleep at the wheel during last year's spring training. La Russa pled guilty to driving while intoxicated and was sentenced to probation and fined.

Palm Beach County Sheriff/AP
Jim Bowden: The Nationals' general manager was charged in 2006 with driving under the influence of alcohol after police said he ran a stop sign. He was stopped by cops just 12 minutes earlier after he had an apparent argument with his wife.

Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Dept./AP

Of course, 90% of adults have enough balance to stand on one leg for a few seconds; 'Melo, as an elite athlete at the top of his profession, and about the last NBA player you'd call uncoordinated or clumsy, isn't the exception here. Anthony claims he only downed two glasses of red wine; I feel comfortable, based on these reports, to assume he's lying about that.

Previous discussions have wondered why his fiancee, MTV personality La La Vasquez, wouldn't pick him up from the station (which led to an officer driving 'Melo to his hotel, a move which has been widely criticized). For her part, La La says that's not true, and the PD in fact offered to give him a lift during their conversation with Vasquez.

Athletes Partying

Eli Manning

DrunkAthlete.com
Michael Jordan

Lioninoil.blogspot.com
Tim Tebow

EveryDayShouldBeSaturday.com
Kyle Orton

DrunkAthlete.com
Chris Berman

Deadspin.com/trusesportsfans
Jimmy Johnson

DrunkAthlete.com
Greg Oden

DrunkAthlete.com
Matt Leinart

TheDirty.com
Brady Quinn

DrunkAthlete.com
Larry Johnson

DrunkAthlete.com

Allegedly, 'Melo Was Really Drunk originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

We Will Win! Says Denver's Rocky

Tom Ziller — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, NBA Playoffs, Denver

As we await the beginning of the NBA Playoffs on April 19, team mascots explain why their team will win. Next up: Rocky, representing the Denver Nuggets.

Lunch money, now! I know you're holding out on me! I saw what car your dad drives! Give it up, pipsqueak! <45 cents falls out of pipsqueak's pocket; Rocky drops pipsqueak on bark; pipsqueaks run; Rocky collects change> Yeah, baby! Daddy's got enough for a maple bar!

What I just did there, what you just saw? That's what the Nuggets did to the Warriors last week. We embarrassed them. We harassed them. We made them cry. We scared them into hiding out, shuddering with weepy eyes and hollow hearts in the dank corner of a broom closet, wishing they could unsee the events pressed upon them. The difference: this abuse cost that pipsqueak but 45 cents, less than half a dollar. It cost the Warriors a chance at repeated postseason glory. It cost the Warriors ... the Warriors.

And it will cost the Lakers the same. See, Los Angeles, you were represented in this playground bully episode by the pipsqueak's friend. You saw the carnage. You saw the tears. You know, deep in the crevices of your soul, that you are next. Sleep well tonight, sleep well tomorrow. This weekend, unicorns and lollipops will cease to exist in your dreams. Devastation awaits, Lakers. Are you ready? Because we are.

Previous FanHouse Expert Predictions:
The Raptor | Gorilla | Moondog | Hugo the Hornet | Coyote | Lucky | G-Wiz | Former Laker Girl | Stuff | Bear | Hip-Hop

Covering our ass: This is, in fact, parody.

We Will Win! Says Denver's Rocky originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Carmelo Anthony Arrested for Drunk Driving

Matt Watson — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:20:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Western, NBA Police Blotter, Denver, The Word

It seems Carmelo Anthony celebrated a little too hard after helping the Nuggets beat the Rockets and all but seal their place in the playoffs -- he was arrested in the wee hours this morning on the suspicion of driving under the influence.

The Rocky Mountain News reports that Melo was stopped around 4am for "failing to stay in his lane and dim his lights," and soon after was brought into the station. His attorney has already released a statement:

"He cooperated by consenting to a blood test, the results of which will not be available for approximately two weeks. There was no accident and no one was hurt. Like anyone in a similar situation, Carmelo has to wait for the results of the blood test. He regrets putting himself in this situation. In the meantime, Carmelo will try to stay focused on his family and his team. Carmelo apologized to fans, the Denver community, his teammates and the Nuggets organization for the distraction this is causing them."

As you'd expect, the Nuggets have already released a boilerplate "we're aware, we're gathering info, etc" statement of their own. While Anthony's attorney suggests it'll take two full weeks before we'll know if Anthony was actually intoxicated, this AP article reports that Anthony did in fact fail a series of sobriety tests.

A blood test may be the official word, but you have to figure that Anthony, a guy who's paid millions of dollars for having out of this world physical dexterity, must have been at least a little messed up if he couldn't even walk a straight line or put his finger to his nose. Just saying.

In any case, Melo is currently slated to appear in court on May 14 -- keep that date in mind when the NBA announces it's playoff dates.

Carmelo Anthony Arrested for Drunk Driving originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Goodnight Golden State (Denver Wins)

Tom Ziller — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:38:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Warriors, Rockets, NBA Playoffs, Denver, Houston, Oakland

Denver wrapped up a fairly stout home victory over the Rockets this evening, all but assuring the Nuggets' place in the Western Conference playoffs. Golden State has to pray for an improbable Grizzlies victory over the Nugs on Wednesday to stay alive ... which means the Warriors are basically dead (and possibly buried).

Tracy McGrady and Carmelo Anthony were able to bother each other all night, as Shane Battier sat out. But Houston's backcourt couldn't dream of containing Allen Iverson, who dropped 33 points on 20 shots with 7 assists. J.R. Smith and Linas Kleiza also had big nights off the bench, which is a good sign as Denver's going to need all hands on deck to survive the first round against the Lakers, Hornets, or Spurs.

Golden State lost this thing on Thursday, as everyone had already assumed. A perfect storm of sorts yesterday seemed to give the Warriors new hope this morning, but it was all a mirage. It's too bad, because the Dubs deserve it a lot more than a few Eastern teams.

Goodnight Golden State (Denver Wins) originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 23:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments