Carmelo

[fordronken]

Syracuse just won the NCAA championship. Marc Stein, I believe, recently wrote that if they won, it would give Carmelo Anthony no real reason to stay in college. What do you guys think? Going pro? And if so, how good will he end up?

 

[JS22]

#3-6

 

[hcsilla]

I'm sure that he will declare and he is locked at #3.

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by fordronken
Syracuse just won the NCAA championship. Marc Stein, I believe, recently wrote that if they won, it would give Carmelo Anthony no real reason to stay in college. What do you guys think? Going pro? And if so, how good will he end up?

Probably gone he didn't get the 2.0 GPA needed to qualify for the Wooden Award. He's not a great student, he wasn't even sure what conference Texas played in. He was rated about 8-12 in last years draft if he'd come out then, this year he's currently slated to go about 3rd behind James and Milicic. Based on the Final 4 he may have jumped to 2nd.

james has so much hype it'd be a miracle if anybody were brave enough to bypass him. I think he's a great prospect but you have to wonder he's so physically advanced for his age how much better will he get? I've seen guys like that before, Schea Cotton, John Williams, Richard Madison, none made it as good pros because they peaked early. None were as talented as James he's clearly better than all 3, but the question is will he continue to improve as much as he'll have to in order to be a great NBA player?

I think Anthony is getting less credit than he should be but I do understand ranking James #1 he is the better athlete.

 

[Chaplin]

Carmelo Anthony will most likely be the #3 pick this year, and has a chance at #2 if things fall right. If he waits a year, he will undoubtedly be #1 in 2004. Is the difference enough to wait? I don't think it is.

He'll declare within the next month or two.

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by Chaplin
Carmelo Anthony will most likely be the #3 pick this year, and has a chance at #2 if things fall right. If he waits a year, he will undoubtedly be #1 in 2004. Is the difference enough to wait? I don't think it is.

He'll declare within the next month or two.

The problem with next year is he's no lock for #1 pick then. And if the NBA rule about age comes in he might not be draft eligible next year(depends when the cutoff will be he turns 19 in a month or so, would turn 20 before next years draft but it depends when they cutoff the age limit).

I agree he's almost certainly gone.

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by Russ Smith
The problem with next year is he's no lock for #1 pick then. And if the NBA rule about age comes in he might not be draft eligible next year(depends when the cutoff will be he turns 19 in a month or so, would turn 20 before next years draft but it depends when they cutoff the age limit).

I agree he's almost certainly gone.

If Lebron James wasn't coming out, Carmelo would be the #1 THIS year, so right now, he's as good a lock at #1 as anybody for next year. The age limit issue is another reason why he'll declare.

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by Chaplin
If Lebron James wasn't coming out, Carmelo would be the #1 THIS year, so right now, he's as good a lock at #1 as anybody for next year. The age limit issue is another reason why he'll declare.

Right now most have Darko Milicic going ahead of him too.

Right now he's top rated in his class but many NBA people are in love with Chris Bosh of Georgia Tech. That's why I say he's not a lock, Bosh is taller and longer and there may be NBA teams who'd take Bosh first if he stays in school as well as Anthony.

Personally I agree I'd take Carmelo first next year, I would consider him first this year(depends which team I'm drafting for) over James although I think I'd ultimately take James. Bosh though is a kid several NBA scouts really love with long arms and leap he can play 7 foot, he handles the ball well, shoots well, blocks shots. He's soft he plays like a SF at times and names like Camby get thrown around but NBA scouts just fall in love with the size and athletic combo.

Bosh is in the exact same situation it's not clear he wants to come out but might because of the coming age rules. I think Anthony is better than Bosh now and probably always will be but my understanding is there are NBA people who disagree. I figure Bosh comes out and goes top 5.

 

[Joe Mama]

I like Anthony, but hype or not I wouldn't take him over James. There's no doubt in my mind James would have looked just as good or better in NCAA. James is bigger, stronger, and more athletic. He's also a more polished ballhandler and passer.

Right now it looks like Anthony is a lot to go No. 3, but history has shown there's no telling what can happen. If Okefor surprised everybody he could slip ahead of Anthony and so could Bosch with some good workouts. You never know. There might be another foreign player or two that could surprise.

As far as I'm concerned the only lock is that Lebron James will be drafted No. 1.

Joe Mama

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by Russ Smith
Right now most have Darko Milicic going ahead of him too.

I didn't really mention Darko because although he's tabbed at #2, we really don't know much about him. He could fall just as easily--and the team at the #2 spot is no guaranteed lock to draft Darko either.

 

[SirStefan32]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
I like Anthony, but hype or not I wouldn't take him over James. There's no doubt in my mind James would have looked just as good or better in NCAA. James is bigger, stronger, and more athletic. He's also a more polished ballhandler and passer.

Right now it looks like Anthony is a lot to go No. 3, but history has shown there's no telling what can happen. If Okefor surprised everybody he could slip ahead of Anthony and so could Bosch with some good workouts. You never know. There might be another foreign player or two that could surprise.

As far as I'm concerned the only lock is that Lebron James will be drafted No. 1.

Joe Mama

Joe, I don't think James is bigger or stronger than Anthony. As far as athleticism is concerned, they are both very athletic, but I guess you could say that James is slightly more athletic.
The only thing I like about James is his ball handling, and passing ability. James is going to be the number one pick, but I think Anthony is just as good, if not better.

Milicic is going to be a fine player, but I would take Anthony over him without hesitation. Watching Anthony is like watching T-Mac in his rookie year. (I am not saying that he will be as good as T-Mac, but I think he has the potential.)

Anthony said that he hopes this is not his last final four several times, and the word on the street is that he is going to come back for another year.

I am in Syracuse right now, and I've talked to some people, and I think Anthony is going to declare for the draft. Had Kansas won, Anthony would definitely stay for one more year. However, he won the championship, and it's time to move on.

Stefan

P.S. Crowd in the dome was awesome last night. Crazy celebration after the game!

 

[Joe Mama]

Carmelo Anthony is listed at 220 pounds, but he looks to be heavier than that. Lebron James is listed at 240 pounds, but he looks to be lighter than that. The biggest difference is that Anthony looks a lot softer than James. James is a chiseled, solid 230 or so pounds.

Don't get me wrong. I like Anthony. I'm sure he'll be a very good NBA player. I just don't think he's as good as James. NBADraft.net compares Anthony to Antoine Walker. Except for the fact that Anthony is 20-30 pounds lighter. I think that's a good comparison. I think Tracy McGrady is much more athletic than him.

Joe Mama

 

[cheng]

Anthony reminds of Mashburn. James got better handle and passing, but I think Anthony got better jump shot.

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
Carmelo Anthony is listed at 220 pounds, but he looks to be heavier than that. Lebron James is listed at 240 pounds, but he looks to be lighter than that. The biggest difference is that Anthony looks a lot softer than James. James is a chiseled, solid 230 or so pounds.

Don't get me wrong. I like Anthony. I'm sure he'll be a very good NBA player. I just don't think he's as good as James. NBADraft.net compares Anthony to Antoine Walker. Except for the fact that Anthony is 20-30 pounds lighter. I think that's a good comparison. I think Tracy McGrady is much more athletic than him.

Joe Mama

anthony had gone from 190 to 225 in 2 years. They have played twice in game situations. James' junior year Anthony and Oak HIll beat him. Anthony had 34 and 11 boards, James 36 and 9. Anthony had 6 points and 2 assists to make the game 12-2, at that point James' coach took him off Anthony out of fear of foul trouble. James kept his team in the game(Oak Hill had better overall talent).

They also played in the 2001 youth development fesitval(used to be the Olympic Festival). First game Anthony's team won by 29 points, he had 23(8-11 shooting) James had 21, reports are Anthony covered James, James covered Rashad McCants. In the gold medal game they met again, Anthony went home early(no idea why), James team won 83-82 with him getting 25 and 10 boards. So with Anthony win by 29, without lose by 1.

Anthony is more polished has anybody seen James do a drop step, a step back or any of the footwork ANthony has shown? James scores mainly on dunks he doesn't need that in HS, he will in the NBA. His ceiling is probably higher but he's also more physically developed, Anthony may have more room to improve.

It'll be fun to watch them over the years.

Russ Smith

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

i think 'melo's performance, not only in the tourney, but over his entire freshman year against very good competition in a tough conference, will vault him to #2 over darko. i would even argue that he may be worth the #1 over james. granted, i've only seen james a few times, but i think his hype may have finally made me sick. i just can't believe anyone can possibly live up to it. moreover, yeah, james dominated, but you could say that melo' dominated too, 'specially considering he was just a freshman, at a MUCH higher level (not only college, but the tourney and the eventual championship - don't sell this accomplishment short). i even think i'd happily trade shawn marion, and 2 #1s for the chance to draft him. he's a rebounder (probably not on par with marion, but i'll bet he can go get ya 6 or 7 a game), with a nice stroke, AND he can put the ball on the floor. he's also got great court awareness. i just love him. i think he's comin' out.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

mind you, all that about 'melo, and i'm a hoya.

 

[Joe Mama]

Shawn Marion and 2 No. 1 draft picks? I think not. I'm sorry, but this happens every year. People, including myself, get excited about one of the top draft picks and say we're willing to give anything to get him.

If Darko is nearly as good as they say he is there's almost no chance Anthony goes above him. In fact there has been talk that if it weren't for the hype surrounding James Darko could go No. 1. Big men are simply worth more in the NBA today.

We'll see what happens. I kind of which Okefor would come out to strengthen this draft. Still, my guess is that the draft is nearly as weak as they are predicting by the time it actually happens.

Joe

 

[Joe Mama]

The following is from a pretty good article by Mitch Lawrence about the New York Knicks situation.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/story/73976p-68460c.html

I read another article, I believe on HoopsHype that Anthony's favorite NBA player is Paul Pierce. I think he looks like a combination of Walker and Pierce. - Joe Mama

We are talking about someone like Anthony, who emerged during the NCAA Tournament as the college player best-suited to walk into the NBA and make an impact. Yesterday, among a handful of scouts polled, James still came in rated a notch above. The consensus is that the Akron prep star is a better athlete than Anthony, can play more positions and shows the ability to run a team.

"There is no doubt that LeBron will be able to take the pounding of the NBA and the contact," said one Eastern Conference scout. "But you saw during the tournament that Carmelo took some shots and started to get physically worn out. LeBron's got the better body. Even so, Carmelo has moved up to No. 2 in my book. Look at the way he played against the best competition."

 

[Russ Smith]

Originally posted by Joe Mama

"There is no doubt that LeBron will be able to take the pounding of the NBA and the contact," said one Eastern Conference scout. "But you saw during the tournament that Carmelo took some shots and started to get physically worn out. LeBron's got the better body. Even so, Carmelo has moved up to No. 2 in my book. Look at the way he played against the best competition."[/i]

I was thinking about this too. In fairness to Anthony, there's a difference between rough play and a guy with a pulled muscle in his back. Word is he pulled something in the Auburn game and played through it. If you heard him in the interview after the Texas game he was asked if he'd sprained his ankle on the last basket when he seemed to pull up. His answer was something like "no I'm ok I got hit in the back a lot tonight and it's a bit sore."

There's no question LeBron physically can take more pounding, that said Anthony isn't going to be a low post player so he'll take less pounding in the NBA at SF than he does now for Syracuse playing the back in a 2-3 zone. If you watched, Kansas clearly knew he was hurt and did the same thing they had Collison and Graves pounding him on defense and then Langford and Lee pounding him on offense, they were clearly trying to get his back to flare up which it obviously did.

There's no question James has the better body, I do question the idea that James can lead a team, that implies as a PG and as we're seeing this year with Jay Williams even a kid with lots of experience at PG can struggle in the NBA right away, a kid out of HS who doesn't play fulltime PG would be totally lost in the NBA.

James will play SF at first and slide down to SG and maybe eventually PG. In that sense he'd be a great fit in Cleveland because he may ultimately allow them to play Wagner at SG with him at PG.

 

[Joe Mama]

From what I've seen of Lebron James he is already a much better distributor than Jason Williams ever was in college. Regardless of what position James plays in the NBA I think he will handle the basketball a lot.

Joe Mama

 

[Joe Mama]

No surprise: James still makes scouts swoon

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Andy Katz
ESPN.com


PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- LeBron James is still the unquestioned No. 1 pick in the June 26 NBA draft, regardless of the positive vibes Syracuse freshman Carmelo Anthony may have generated with his Most Outstanding Player performance at the Final Four.


Anthony finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds in national title game.



And, Anthony might not even be No. 2, since a number of teams still enamored with Yugoslavian forward Darko Milicic.


That means that Anthony could fall to No. 3. And though he'll possibly have the most impact of any of top three next season, he may not be the best over the long haul.


The overriding feeling among NBA teams is that the three players represent the best in their individual category -- by far. James is the best prep player, with no one else on the horizon. Milicic is the best foreign player, with no others expected to make a contribution next season. And Anthony, thanks to a remarkable freshman season, is the best college player. After that, there's a significant drop-off.


The ironic thing is that all three technically are not in the draft -- yet. None has filled out the required paperwork and filed it with the NBA office.

But that appears to be a foregone conclusion. James, out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High, is simply putting off his declaration, but will make one by the May 11 deadline. Agent Aaron Goodwin is the favorite to represent James.


Milicic has worked through the issue of turning 18 before the draft, but not before the entry deadline. His agent, Marc Cornstein, has worked tirelessly to ensure that he would still be in the draft.


Anthony said Monday night in New Orleans that he would make up his mind after school, but there isn't a source close to him that expects him to return. He's expected to sign with agent Bill Duffy.

In reality, there are two intriguing debates among some scouts: James vs. Anthony and Anthony vs. Milicic. Neither appears to be as close as those in the media or the casual fan would think.

Several NBA personnel directors polled at the Portsmouth Invitational on Thursday said that support for James is overwhelming.


Here's why:


James could be Michael Jordan; Anthony could be Glenn Robinson.


James is a better athlete.


James is a better defender.


James is a franchise player.


James has the look of a hall of fame player; Anthony an NBA all-star.


James can play a multitude of positions; Anthony is a small forward.


James is tougher.


James has a more defined and NBA-type body.


James beat Anthony in a one-on-one matchup in Trenton, N.J. two years ago that still sticks in the minds of NBA personnel.


James will sell more tickets than Anthony.


James will sell more jerseys than Anthony.

The bottom line? "You'd have to have guts to take Anthony over James,'' said one NBA general manager. "Big-time guts to do that.''

The same question was posed to NBA personnel regarding Anthony vs. Milicic. This was closer, but certainly not a given for either player.

Among the scouts contacts, the pros for Anthony were:


He's a true small forward.


He's an impact scorer.


He'll be an early return on the investment.


He's a known commodity, especially after the Final Four.


Small forward could be the weakest position in the draft, and anybody needing one will try to get him.

But the are plenty of pros for Milicic, too:


He's a 7-footer with skills, possibly the best of a foreign big man since Dirk Nowitzki.


He could play small or power forward, like Nowitzki.


He could be a major contributor in two seasons, so the wait won't be that long.


It's always harder to get 7-footer, who could play inside, than it is a small forward.


The consensus among NBA teams is the easiest pick in the draft will be No. 3. That's because James will be No. 1 and then either Anthony or Milicic will be No. 2, leaving the other for No. 3.


The hardest pick is No. 4, because no one knows yet who could be in that spot.