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Carmelo Anthony: What Makes An NBA Champion?

By Geoffrey Campbell

Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Andre Roberson (21) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) and guard Andre Roberson (21) celebrate during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Grass is Always Greener

While Carmelo Anthony has seen a revolving door at head coach and experienced several changes within upper management, some of his peers have enjoyed stability within both positions.

Others have had the proper talent around them to compliment their strengths and weaknesses.

Dwyane Wade may be a Top 5 shooting guard of all-time. It would be foolish to say that Anthony is somehow better than him.

However, Wade also has played with a significant upgrade of talent and has experienced comfort in knowing that the Pat Riley and the Miami Heat have generally made great decisions with regard to player personnel.

Despite some changes at head coach, all who filled the position had some success. Pat Riley took over for Stan Van Gundy and helped guide the Heat to a championship in 2006.

Riley continued to coach the team before turning over the reigns to Erik Spoelstra in 2008.

Between the period of 2011 and 2014, the duo of Riley and Spoelstra experienced four straight NBA Finals appearances and two NBA championships.

However, it’s important to note that Wade has never been past the second round of the NBA Playoffs without Shaquille O’Neal or LeBron James by his side.

Before leaving for the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant had success In Oklahoma City with teammate Russell Westbrook. Along with general manager Sam Presti and head coach Scott Brooks, the dynamic duo made three Conference Finals and an NBA finals appearance.

Although Brooks was let go after the 2014-15 season, the Thunder didn’t miss a beat, heading back to the Conference Finals with Billy Donovan after missing the playoffs the previous year.

Again, Durant is the better player, but stability in management and good players go a long way towards sustained success. Furthermore, the Thunder as a franchise haven’t been back to the NBA Finals since their big three of Durant, Westbrook, and James Harden were dismantled in 2012.

Since coming to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012, Chris Paul has also played with a significant upgrade in talent when compared with Anthony. From veterans to young and up-and-coming stars, Paul’s teammates have included Chauncey Billups, DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe, Jamal Crawford, J. J. Redick, and Paul Pierce.

Its safe to say that Anthony has never had that type of talent around him.

While the Clippers do play in the tougher Western Conference, most would agree that they have underachieved, never getting past the second round of the playoffs.

What would Anthony be able to do with talented players like that on his team?

Next: What's Next?

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