COLIN LINNEWEBER
Big City Bias Without the Boston Bullshit

CARMELO ANTHONY
The New York Post reported last week that the New Jersey Nets and the Denver Nuggets are discussing a trade that would send Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby to East Rutherford in exchange for Richard Jefferson, Marcus Williams and the 10th overall selection in this June’s NBA Draft. Anthony, 23, a two-time All-Star who has averaged 24.4 points and 6.0 rebounds a game since his rookie season in 2003, is a spectacular talent with a chance to become one of the greatest small forwards in league history if he veers away from the pitfalls of parasites, money and fame.

“Melo,” a native of Baltimore who has been harshly criticized for his recent brushes with the authorities and for appearing in a menacing video entitled “Stop Snitchin’,” is a player with the abilities to alter an entire franchise and it would behoove the lowly New York Knicks to make a major offer to acquire the troubled Mile-High superstar. The Knickerbockers could assemble an attractive package highlighted by their 6th overall pick in next month’s draft and their spirited power forward David Lee, 25, among other bit parts from their roster. Granted, making a bid for Anthony is a genuine gamble considering his thuggish demeanor and antics. But, the Knicks are currently a nonentity and like Bob Dylan once sang, “When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose. You’re invisible now.”

The Knicks have been “invisible” this entire decade and Anthony would give the Knicks something to build upon for both the present and future. Newly-hired Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh needs to snare “Melo.” If he doesn’t, it will be his first mistake since taking reign at Madison Square Garden.

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