NBA MVP Candidate: Take IV

As a Denver Nuggets fan, it is always a bit difficult to talk about the superstar who held us hostage for a season before jumping ship for the Big Apple. While the Nuggets have faired very well since Melo’s departure (home court advantage in the playoffs baby!), being effectively “Meloed,” leaves a bad taste in any Denver fan's mouth. With that being said, only the most bitter of fans could try and deny that Carmelo Anthony is having an incredible season.

Ask any sports analyst you know, and the first thing they’ll say about Anthony this season is that he is playing a brand of inspired basketball not many of seen from the veteran superstar. Though Melo has always been a huge scoring threat, as well as one of the best in the league in one-on-one situations, leadership and defensive prowess haven’t always been his forte. In fact, these were two of the biggest demerits for having Melo on your team, and in the conversation of if he was actually a superstar. These two aspects have been the biggest change for Melo in the 2012/13 season.

Thought to be the result of his time on Team USA, Melo came into this season as a determined player wanting to win a championship. Though he is still better on the ball than off, Melo has been a team player who actually makes those around him better on the court. The introduction of Jason Kidd as a veteran PG, along with the defensive stud and leader Tyson Chandler, Melo has morphed into a player who helps team chemistry and makes opponents look silly.

So why could Melo be the MVP this season? He has been the reasons the Knicks were one of the hottest teams in the league this season, and sit at No. 2 in the Eastern Conference standings. Melo also won the league scoring title and averaged 28.7 points per game, along with 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists. He was also shooting at an above 40 percent clip. Melo is a definite threat to the MVP race.

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