Melo Should Consider Clippers

Carmelo Anthony has made it abundantly clear that he wants out of Denver, first choice being the New York Knicks. However, New York doesn't have the assets to give Denver. The New Jersey Nets stepped in, offering a package that would include 3rd overall pick, Derrick Favors, but they were waiting for Anthony to sign an extension, until yesterday when owner, Mikhail Prokhorov announced that the Nets were terminating trade talks for Anthony (conveniently announced the week after Denver threatened New Jersey to keep the trade talks private). Going to New Jersey would be counterproductive for Anthony, he wouldn't be on a contending team and the Nets are second fiddle to the Knicks.

If Carmelo wants to play in a big market and doesn't mind being on a team that is second fiddle in their market, he should consider the Los Angeles Clippers. That sounds crazy, I know. Who would want to play for the Clippers with the Lakers in town? Who would want to play for Donald Sterling, universally known as the worst owner in professional sports? The biggest reason Carmelo Anthony should consider playing for the Clippers is Blake Griffin. The Clippers star rookie is 2nd in the league in double-doubles and is one of six players who average a double-double. Griffin isn't even the leading scorer for the Clippers--that honor goes to Eric Gordon, who averages 23.9 points per game. Griffin (23 years old), Gordon (22), and Anthony (26) would be the biggest rival to the Heat's trio of Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. The difference is the Clippers trio all play different positions add different dimensions.

What makes this deal more realistic is the pieces the Clippers have that they can trade to Denver. Right now the Clippers have a projected lottery pick (sitting 3rd to last in the Western Conference, 6 games out of the playoffs), last year's 8th overall pick, Al-Farouq Aminu, last year's 18th overall pick, Eric Bledsoe, and Chris Kaman all available to be traded. Let's say all those guys go in a deal, plus Craig Smith to match Carmelo's $17 million contract, the projected starting lineup would be:

PG: Baron Davis
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

This team is not your mother's Clippers. A playoff run this year isn't likely, but the next 3 years with that trio they are a lock for the playoffs and will contend for the the title.

So Carmelo, would you rather be the man in New Jersey/Brooklyn or be part of a trio in LA and make franchise history?