Carmelo Anthony was traded on Tuesday from Denver to his dream destination of New York City. Will his fantasy stats improve, worsen, or stay somewhat similar?
Analysis: While Carmelo has always been a solid fantasy pickup he has never been a fantasy darling. There is a chance that he will love the New York City spotlight and strive under it. Anthony is known as one of the best scorers in the NBA. Equally important is his reputation as one of the game’s greatest closers. Even Kobe-clutch-blasting Henry Abbott agrees that Carmelo is one of the most clutch scorers in the NBA. When the game is on the line there is nobody better than Carmelo to take that last shot. I believe he takes this skill and runs with it in NYC. Who wouldn’t enjoy bringing back one of the best basketball cities to its former glory days. In his first game with the Knicks Carmelo put up some great numbers with 27 points, 10 boards, and 2 steals. He only shot 40% from the floor and doled out a paltry 1 assist, but he helped the Knicks win the game by, you guessed it, hitting some clutch shots.
Projection: Carmelo now has one of his most talented teammates ever in Amar’e Stoudemire and I believe this will result in improved points, three-pointers, and assists for the remainder of the season. Amar’e demands a double team and when that happens we know who will be open for the three. Expect minor improvements across the board for Carmelo due to this change of scenery.