Reading Rockets Basketball

A Nugget of Hope

Aside from the USA National Team in 2012, no one outside of the heavens knows exactly where Carmelo Anthony might be playing basketball this fall, much less next year. Though Nuggets have denied speculation that they are looking to move Anthony, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2010-2011 season, most analysts suspect that the face of the Denver franchise will not resign with the organization. Anthony has so far been unwilling to sign what’s been reported as a 3-year 65 million extension to stay in Colorado for at least the foreseeable future. This leaves the Nuggets with two clear-cut options, either chance that the pundits are wrong and Anthony’s heart remains in Denver or deal him while they can and get something in return for one of the league’s premier players. The Houston Rockets are apparently on a short list of teams to which Anthony would welcome a trade, along with the Knicks most notably, a landing destination may forecasters have been calling for months. With Houston having at least registered on Carmelo’s map, the question remains, “What, if anything, should the Rockets to bring Anthony to town?”With the shell of Tracy McGrady now long gone, Trevor Ariza following suit and Yao coming off a season long injury, the Rockets will look different next year regardless of whether 15 makes his way to southern Texas. One can’t help but salivate, however, with the prospect of adding a superstar like Anthony next to a talented core of young players and a formidable big man like Yao (assuming he returns at least close to form). With Aaron Brooks coming into his own at point guard, Kevin Martin providing a solid second scoring option and strong fundamentals of players like Scola and Battier, an Anthony led Rockets squad would be among the best in the league. Of course in order to get Anthony over, some of these valued contributors would likely be headed west. The Rockets do have a number of trade assets available, however, including new draftee Patrick Patterson, the aforementioned Kevin Martin and Shane Battier (who has an expiring deal), Jared Jeffries (also expiring), and a host of draft picks (both their own and those acquired from the Knicks). If these players and picks are properly packaged, the Rockets could ideally put out a lineup with Brooks, Anthony and Yao standing side by side. Here’s to hoping in Houston.