Carmelo Anthony: The NBA’s Most Unstoppable Force
Carmelo Anthony
In the NBA, terms are being thrown around constantly. When it comes to the term “unguardable,” the first two names that may come to mind are Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, but in fact, these players are guardable; it’s just up to the defender to know how to stop them.
With LeBron, his game relies on attacking the rim and going to the foul line. He has a decent jump shot and is an excellent passer, but when he’s not getting fouled, he goes into panic mode and starts chucking up unnecessary threes.
As for Kobe, he’s not the unstoppable player he once was, which was evident during the ’09-10 season. He’s become less dangerous at the rim — according to 82games.com, Kobe made 58% of his inside shots last season, compared to 65% the previous year — which means shot-blockers can challenge with more success. One way to slow him down offensively is to limit Kobe’s post-up opportunities and have him settle for the outside shot.
With the ways of (somewhat) stopping ‘Bron and Kobe established, there is only one NBA player who is close to being truly unguardable. His name is Carmelo Anthony.
Many believe that ‘Melo is a one-dimensional player, but that’s far from the truth. ‘Melo has a variety of offensive moves in his arsenal against any defender that dares to challenge. When it comes to playing against bigger defenders, ‘Melo likes to use his patented jab step in order to create space for his smooth jump shot. He’s already established himself as the best offensive player in the NBA, and his jump shot is nearly automatic. Smaller players don’t stand a chance against ‘Melo’s size and power on the block. His ability to post up is one of his most underrated traits. When it comes to drawing a foul, ‘Melo is one of the best in the League at making contact. He ranked fifth in free throw attempts last season with 8.9 per game behind the likes of Kevin Durant, LeBron, Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade.
Another underrated trait of ‘Melo’s is his speed. He has a quick first step along with exceptional handles. Don’t forget about his spin move; the same one he put on ‘Bron last season that had him looking like a punch-drunk boxer with no recollection of what happened.
Argue all you want, but every NBA coach is sitting at their desks pulling their hair out and shooting paper wads into the trash with every attempt to try and figure out how to stop ‘Melo. He can do anything that ‘Bron does, except ‘Bron has the athleticism, while ‘Melo is better in the post. But for those who think ‘Melo can’t throw it down, just check for basketball stripes the next time you see Paul Millsap‘s face.
No matter what type of player you put against ‘Melo, he has the talent to exploit their weakness and use it to his advantage. For defenders it becomes a game of pick-your-poison.
Or they could always take ‘Melo’s approach: “If I had to guard me,” Anthony told ESPN one time, “I’d take the night off.”
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September 7th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
@LakersNation says:
ummm . . . . i think Kevin Durant is more unstoppable then Carmelo . . . you can get inside Melo’s Melon easily and then it’s over . . . i.e. – just assign the Human Irritant Sasha Vujacic and it’s over
September 7th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Heckler says:
@ LakersNation
Kevin Durant is not unstoppable. if you get physical with Durant, he’ll bitch down. he’ll just launch long jumpers and finish 5-18FG for 16pts.
Melo welcomes physical play.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Joe's Momma says:
Melo is pretty much untouchable on the offensive end. He can do it all on that side of the floor.
When he is in attack mode on the low block, there are not many who will be able to keep him from getting the shot he wants. Very patient on the block and is a load down there.
His passing out of the double team is underrated also.
But there is just something missing… I just don’t know what. He is clutch, he is a gamer, ooohhh its that thing called defense that won’t allow him to win. He tries to play good defense against a star, but won’t put in the effort against lower competition.
If Durant could gain about 20 lbs of muscle, he would take this title from Melo. KD is not as skilled on the box, but very tough cover.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:32 pm
i am a witness says:
@ laker nation
Another overated KD dick rider. lol MELO wuld eat durants lunch and shit it back out on him…… MELO is the most unstopable offensive player in da nba hands down
Ps i love KD’s game and thinks he is gonna be great I jsut hate how the media is saying he is so great when he basically is just a one dimensional player…… he aint a great passer or defender…… yet sumhow hese everybody’s golden child and 2010-2011 MVP
September 7th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
i am a witness says:
and another thing!!….. the media says lebron shuld b more like durant because he simply announced his extension via twttier and not a TV special like bron…. ummmm didnt when bron sign his extension from his rookie contract it was simple……. the media and people just hatin on bron naw so they lookin for a new darling in KD until they shit on him too….
September 7th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Steve Nash says:
um… Tough call over Kobe… but I will say that Melo can take over and there isn’t much you can do about it… see how Kobe comes in this year
September 7th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
WinDelRoj says:
When Melo plays defense (it does happen) hes unbelievable. But usually, hes just a great scorer….
September 7th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Matt in Brooklyn says:
I love how Andrew (the author) talks so definitively, that he has somehow proven (just by saying it) that Kobe is guardable or stoppable where Carmelo isn’t. I’m guessing like myself, you’ve never guarded Kobe or Melo or LeBron or Wade, they all look pretty tough to stop to me.
Personally, I think when evaluating Kobe’s game and/or attempting to try to critique it, you should have mentioned that…dude was playing hurt last season, bad ankle, knee, broken fingers… I think one’s “unstoppableness” is greatly impacted by injury. Melo might not be so offensively unstoppable with a bad wheel, or a broken hand.
When healthy, I think Kobe’s game is pretty complete, he can attack with both hands, off the dribble, the deep ball, mid range, post up, bank shots, hook shots, and the dude can still bang it on you. Don’t underestimate the Mamba, yeah he may have lost a little explosion but his offensive game is as unstoppable as anyone in the association…
September 7th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
C Money says:
Melo is top 5 in the league and he IS “unguardable”! And as for Durant? If the refs didnt give him every BS call (especially on the shot when he whips his arm through the defenders hands)forcing contact, his PPG average would suffer. He doesnt have the moves Melo has (Durant) and hes not as strong. Just look at FIBA play. Yeah he’s our leading scorer but that doesnt say much when hes jacking up the most shots. He (Durant) though i love his passion and love for the game hes not there yet. And to be honest all BS aside I think Melo is better than James too. James is a good player but hes not GREAT(neither is Melo) but that being said offensively Melo has the total package. Offensively I can only compare him (Melo) to Kobe and NO ONE else. There was a reason he led the US national team in the Olympics in scoring(with kobe,wade,james etc…)
and Durant while leading the US in scoring in FIBA the collective team doesnt even compare. If Durant is on that Olympic team he doesnt even break top 5 scorers on the squad! Melo aka “STOP REACHIN!”
FOLLOWwwwwwwww MEeeeeeeeeee twitter.com/Chris_Barrio
September 7th, 2010 at 2:50 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Joe’s Momma
Carmelo is my favorite player of all time and I agree that he tends to only try his hardest on defense against top players, but he’s actually getting better as he’s getting older so I’m hoping he can finally become the whole package. His defense is why he’s always being excluded from top 5 players in the League conversations.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
LakeShow84 says:
KD’s not there yet.. But thats only because he hasnt filled out physically..
Kobe is more of an offensive threat than Melo based simply on the fact Kobe been there and done that.. Melo makes it look easy no doubt but Kobe does it ALL.. he got a better post game than Melo and a better mid range game.. Melo gets nods on his boards and 3pt touch.. even tho both aint spectacular 3pt specialists.. i think Melo is just smarter with his 3′s.. ive never seen Melo fall in love with it..
Plus considering all the 40pt games and 50pt games and even the 60 and the infamous 81 saying someone is a better offensive player is a stretch.. given KB been injured we saw what a good knee does for him after the Thunder series..
Just sayin..
September 7th, 2010 at 2:53 pm
arisloco says:
@LakerNation
” i.e. – just assign the Human Irritant Sasha Vujacic and it’s over”
Just when did Vujabitch become a great defender or a Human Irritant? Have you forgotten the 2008 NBA Finals against Ray Allen when Sasha cried when Ray-ray drove to the basket with ease that caused them the game? Typical laker fan..
September 7th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
LakeShow84 says:
And when i say KB got a better post game i say that from a basketball standpoint..
I know Melos a load down there but thats more from his physical ability..
September 7th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Aaron says:
I think people will really see how unstoppable Lebron is now that he will see a lot of single coverage.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
whitecollar says:
Couldn’t agree more….
The only understatement is saying Carmelo is better in the post…Lebrons post game is non existent
September 7th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
Aaron says:
Also find it strange that someone so “unstoppable” on offense has only one 50 point game, a feat that took him 7 years to complete. Add that to the fact he’s never lead the league in scoring, he’s not the most unstoppable player in the league. KB, Lebron and Wade are still ahead of him.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:02 pm
JAY says:
Been saying this for a while now… Melo is a threat from anywhere on the court. 3-pt, off the ball, w/ the ball, penetrating to the hole, or pulling up, high-post, low-post, backing down, or facing up, …
Nobody, including Lebron and Kobe have that many weapons.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
yEa says:
Durant is becoming very overated. One of my fav players in the League, but people are getting way to caught up over one season. Melo at 22 averaged 29ppg on like 47% from the floor and led his team to an 8th seed in the playoffs. Sound familiar? I think we as fans are just ready to anoint a new start since kobe is aging and Bron isn’t as well liked as he once was. Let surant develop and become a complete player before we start calling him the 3rd, 4th or 5th best player in the L. Imo Melo, Dirk, CP3 and Dwill arre all better than durant, but that could change soon enough
September 7th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ LakeShow84
I really don’t know if Durant will ever fill out physically. He’s a great scorer don’t get me wrong but I don’t think he’s going to get much bigger than he already is. He’s just one of those super high metabolism type guys.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
sh!tfaced says:
Agree with JAY, in terms of being a threat from anywhere and anything, Carmelo has the edge on LeBron on this one. Wade might even come closer to Melo than Bron. But Kobe is still the king of unstoppable in the clutch though…
September 7th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Ross says:
no player is unguardable…Ron Artest has clamped Melo before.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
JAY says:
@Aaron
I think you are missing the point bud.
It ain’t about who scores more. It’s about, “no matter what you throw at him, he has other go-to tools.”
Despite being one of the most physically imposing players to play the game, Lebron has NO semblance of a post game. Wade’s range is very limited. I can see the argument for Kobe but finger is arthitic now.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
JAY says:
BTW, good article Macaluso
September 7th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ JAY
Thanks, fam!
September 7th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Man, I just don't care™ says:
From a pure “skill set” stand point, it’s hard to argue that Carmello ISN’T the most complete offensive player in the game. From mid-range, three point, post up, first step, finish in the paint, free throw, off of screens, fast break, etc.
At this point the only thing he CAN’T do is handle the ball in a pick and roll/pop situation a la Kobe/LeBron/D.Wade.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Aaron says:
@ Jay
Having more moves and a more aesthetically pleasing game doesn’t make you more “unstoppable.”. Despite not having a refined game, Lebron is still near top in scoring and efficiency. Don’t discount LeBron’s playmaking ability because that’s an entirely different weapon he can utilize that others don’t possess.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Pareja says:
this article-jibbah jabbah.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Crew Dizzy says:
It’s hard for me to say anybody is a better scorer than Kobe, but if anyone is in the argument I’d definetly say it’s Melo. The article gives him credit for his great first step, I’ve thought he’s had the best 1st step in the game for the past few years. He has a good post game, wet midrange, and you have to respect his three point range. His body allows him to finish with contact and he can iso at the top of the key or the wing.
Like Durant Melo is capable if scoring off screens, but unlike Durant he has an off the dribble game. Melo is also known for scoring in the clutch, given a choice I’m still taking the Mamba, but Melo is the next best scorer.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Its CCrap says:
DIME STOP WRITING ARTICLES. YOUR OPINIONS SUCK, YOUR IDIOTS. ALL YOUR STAFF SUCKS.
September 7th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Jason says:
I don’t know how the overrated Kevin Durant gets into best in the league topics now-a-days.I repeat he is just a shooter that learned how to draw b.s. fouls. KD is just a feather-weight compared to Melo. Anyways Wade is the hardest to guard one on one.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
ason says:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQEzmPKdqt4
September 7th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
sam says:
Hahaha, right after he said “if i had to guard me, I’d take the night off”, he was shown to be very stoppable by Ron Artest, and even fouled out during the game after being intised into commiting too many offensive fouls.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Chise says:
I’ve said it for a long time. Carmelo Anthony has a perfect offensive game. He’s the most complete scorer that I have ever seen. That being said, I think a lot of the regression we’ve seen in Kobe’s game was due to injuries not age, but this year we’ll see.
Disclaimer: When I say Melo is the most complete scorer I’ve ever seen; I’m 22 years old… The Michael Jordan I remember played for the Wizards.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
yEa says:
Durant is becoming very overrated these days One of my favorite players in the League no doubt…but ppl are getting way to caught up over the scoring title thing. Melo at 22 averaged 29ppg on like 47% from the feild 80something% from the line and led his team to the playoffs..sound familiar? I think we as fans are just ready to annoint a new superstar, snice Kobe is aging and Lebron isnt as well liked as he once was. let durant continue to develop and put up consistent seasons while improving before calling him the 3RD, 4th or 5th best player in the L. IMO, Melo, Dirk, CP3 and Dwill are all better players RIGHT NOW than durant..but he has plenty of time to surpass them
September 7th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Heckler says:
Man Law:
No one under the age of 23yrs old should post on this site anymore.
agreed? good.
MAN LAW.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
karizmatic says:
Melo is the second most complete perimeter player in the league right now behind Kobe.
I think right now it’s
Kobe
Melo
Durant
and perhaps Wade.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
ctkennedy says:
melo is one kobe is second but the third best scorer in the league is Monta Ellis his only weakness is people think he only gets his numbers cuz he play for the warriors …he has everythin on the off. end even a post game
September 7th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Chicagorilla says:
@Lakeshow84
I see what you are getting at with Kobe’s post game, but Melo doesn’t HAVE to take fadeaways (lower percentage shot) while in the post like Kobe does. Melo’s power allows him to get closer to the basket even against big guys, plus he is more explosive and a better finisher around the basket. in all honesty, Melo should be leading the L in FT attempts but i think he has gotten on Sterns/NBA Refs bad side or something. I’ve never seen someone fouled as much as he is without it actually being called.
Last second shot, give me Melo over anyone in the L. Because I know he’ll get a GOOD LOOK from anywhere on the court.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Chicagorilla
I agree with you. I think ‘Melo might have complained to much to the refs and now their not calling the fouls that he’s looking for. Just like Donahue did to Iverson in Denver.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Joe's Momma says:
@ ctkennedy
Monte Ellis?? Really?
He is a gifted scorer yes, but he is a chucker. He can get into the paint almost at will and that is his biggest strength. Streaky shooter at best. He is either getting to the paint, or shooting a long jumper.
He has a post up game? I must not watch enough GSW games, because I have not seen him in the post on offense except on accident.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
ctkennedy says:
@joe
real shit he post up two guards …he can play off the ball like he did with baron davis shootin over 50percent
he dont get enough calls cuz he aint no star
his mid range is top 5 in the league
his 3 pointer is streaky true
jamal crawford a chunker…ellis is eff. crawford shoots about 40per….ellis 45per.
remember ellis goes against legit 2 guards playin with curry
September 7th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Shot In Your Face says:
I remember reading somewhere (espn online?) that Kobe said Melo is the hardest guy to guard in the league and that he is stronger (lower body wise) than LeBroad.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
WinDelRoj says:
Someone brought up offensive fouls. Melo frustrates me on defense but the calls against him on offense? 90% bogus. Dude has superstar abilities but gets none of the superstar calls.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ ChiTown
Nah im not speakin JUST on the fades but Kobe’s post game with the up and unders and ball fakes are parts of the post game that Melo hasnt expanded into YET.. Hes content on moving fast in the post and going for offensive boards.. which he does GREAT..
BUT Kobe is much more patient in the post.. Well to me lol he never looks out of control down low and sometimes i watch Melo and i can tell hes down there looking for a put back..
@ Andrew
I can see Durant filling out just based on the fact his body will adjust to the punishment of the NBA.. Hes a workhorse and if ANYONE knows they need to add more strength it will be him no doubt.. We’ll see what happens.. His frame looks so frail because of his high shoulders.. but Amare got high shoulders too and hes added muscles as hes gone along..
If i remember Amare correctly as a rookie he wasnt physically intimidating at all.. he was just nasty lol
September 7th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Shot In Your Face
Kobe said that during the Conference Finals against Denver two seasons ago. If the best player in basketball says ‘Melo is the hardest player to guard, it’s impossible to argue that.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Geoff says:
As a pure scorer, Carmelo, Kobe and Durant are all roughly on the same level. As an all-around player, Lebron gets the nod.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Caderade says:
This is classic! The Melo guys are all saying that Durant is one-dimensional and Monte Ellis is a chucker. If that isn’t a case of the pot calling the kettle black, I don’t know what is. With all three of them, when they’re on, they’re basically unguardable. When they’re off, they don’t pass, don’t rebound, don’t defend, and they shoot themselves right out of the game. I’d take Deron Williams, Chris Paul, or probably even Brandon Roy over any of them.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
yoda says:
Andrew, how old are you? Don’t get me wrong, but this article sounds like its been written by a Melo fan club president. Its ok that you favor one player, but as professional writer, try to be less one sided.
I see your arguments about your game, but since that sucker punch thing, i really don’t like Melo. And he needs to win at least his conference before he gets unstoppable title.
But thats just my opinion.
I think Matt in Brooklyn was right. If someone who doesn’t follow nba that much read your article, one could tell Kobe is just old and not really good, while guy almost played in wheel chair (because he needed it, not like PP). I think it would be fair to mention at least one of Kobe’s injuries. But thats just my humble opinion.
September 7th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Joe's Momma says:
@ ctkennedy
man, I must be sleeping on Monte then. I like his game but didn’t know he was A) That efficient and B) posts up
The only thing I got bad to say about Monte is that he is trying really hard to keep GS his team. I think the writing on the wall is Steph Curry has taken that from him, and it seems a little that he resents that.
But dude comes to play. Checks 2 guards with his 180lbs frame so I got respect for him.
But when he played with Boom Dizzle, he got to guard point guards cause Baron was bigger. With Curry he gotta check the 2′s, which takes away from him offensively a little.
September 7th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
K Dizzle says:
Melo ain’t really doin anything that Paul Pierce ain’t already done. 3s? yep. Postups? yep. Elbow js? yep. Pull-ups? yep. Off the bounce? yep. Free throws? Yep. Clutch?
Solid article.
Good case for Melo being unstoppable.
Point is that you can make a case for about 3-4 guys as straight unstoppable.
I take 2 things from this article:
1) Kobe is still the most offensively polished player and if he wasn’t playin with the bad joints(knees/fingers/ankles), then that 33ppg on like 55%fg and 45%3fg vs Phoenix concludin with the Gentry assslap would be more often than not and would put this discussion waaaaaaaaaay outta reach. Dudes say Melo is an offensive machine, but once again, who you goin to in the clutch?
2) DWade is disgustingly underrated as an unstoppable force. Dude cannot be guarded by anyone.
Think on it: You have NEVER seen anybody shut dude down, but we talkin unstoppable forces and his name barely comes up. Durant gets the love cuz he’s the youngest in LEAGUE HISTORY to do what he did last season, but Flash been doin it well longterm. More respect due…
September 7th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Joe's Momma says:
K Dizzle makes solid arguments.
But the difference I see from Melo and Pierce is that Pierce does it really quietly, almost Duncan like boring. Not a bad thing but the flash does help Melo because he gets on highlights.
Wade does belong in the convo. He just makes it looks easy just like Melo does. For a dude his size that is remarkable. He eats up defenses, now that he got help we will really get to see Wade at his best.
But Kobe defacto winner when talking about offense.
September 7th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
ctkennedy says:
@ joe and k dizzle
if u gon put pierce in there then u got to add joe johnson jj aint missin shit as far as ability
he is a bitch and i dont want him as far as bein my best player tryin to win a title
put puttin that ball in the hole went he is aggressive(which is as rare as seein a black president)he top 3 in the league easily
September 7th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Joe's Momma says:
Joe Johnson lost some flavor after his playoff performance.
Even though I really love JJ’s game and people are going to use 1 bad playoff series against a good defensive team vs a few years of playing great.
But he has to earn it back. Playoffs is where stars gotta be great, he let Jamal Crawford try to do it in his 1st ever playoff appearance. That shouldn’t happen.
But I know my boy JJ gonna come back with some fire for everyone doubting him. There is a reason dude got 120mil, this aint an Eddy Curry situation.
September 7th, 2010 at 7:03 pm
Tim says:
Melo is definately the most unguardable in the NBA. His jumper is better than Kobes and his post up is better. What makes Melo completely unstoppable is that he can literally score ANYWHERE on the court. Kobe (as of today) isn’t driving to the paint as much. Lebron can’t shoot better than Melo or Kobe so he’s out of the discussion. Wade has a great mid range and an OK 3 point shot. His post up game is better than lebrons but he is no Carmelo. Durant is probably the greatest SHOOTER out of the bunch and his length and reach make his “somewhat” postup game relevant (if you can count fadaways). He just isn’t stronger in the paint or that much more of a better shooter than Melo to be number 1. However, Melo is a chucker and I would start a team with Lebron, Kobe or Wade if I had a choice. Brandon Roy would be an honorable mention.
September 7th, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Three Stacks says:
I dont think the first post was meant to say Vujacic could check Melo in anyway, it was probably a reference to a game a couple yrs ago where Melo got ejected for grabbing Sasha in the throat after Sasha pestered him all night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khDG7ormDLo&feature=related
September 7th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
me says:
Melo has the most complete offensive game of anyone in the NBA right now. PERIOD. by offensive I mean “with the ball”. Dude ain’t passing for shit.
Unfortunately, he only affects one area on a stat sheet: Points. that, to me, makes him a one dimensional player, even if that one dimension makes him better overall than 95% of the active players.
September 7th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Three Stacks says:
First off, there is no unstoppable force in the NBA, you can talk all you want about individual game and who’s better than who and it’s all nice fodder for frivolous basketball discussion, but it’s teams that win games. Carmelo absolutely is an elite talent capable of leading the right team to a chip, but any speculation beyond that will always be opinion.
I wish people wouldn’t use such extreme language in titling their articles, it makes impressionable sports fans who disagree w/ you react negatively.
September 7th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Three Stacks
I’d choke out Sasha too.
September 7th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Bojangles says:
Carmelo Anthony is a very well rounded player but the idea that he is the NBA’s most unstoppable player is ridiculous. He is the classic good at many things; not great at anything. Lebron and D-Wade’s ability to get to the basket and the foul line, and Kobe’s ability to hit ridiculous jumpers, are truly dominant skills that clearly make them more unstoppable then Carmelo.
I would be very suprised if any NBA coach said they would rather face an offense with Lebron or Kobe at the helm than an offense led by Carmelo. Carmelo might be able to be in the conversation if he decided to go inside more and hit the offensive boards hard.
September 7th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Andrew says:
Holy balls Dime is really hard pressed for viewership. Carmelo Anthony the Nba’s most unstoppable force? Please.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Mr. TKO says:
I’ve been saying this for years probably before Kobe’s Colorado Incident. Kobe is the best Offensive talent in the league and Melo is #2 and will eventually take that spot.
He’s not as flashy or as athletic as Lebron and Wade, and doesn’t win as much as Kobe but Melo can hurt you in so many different ways and from so many different locations.
The thing I think hurts Melo’s popularity is that he doesn’t do Sportcenter Highlight plays that often. Even when he goes up for a dunk, it’s just a deceptively soft dunk. I can’t remember where I read or heard it, but a lot of players got interviewed and they said that Melo has some of the strongest dunks out of everybody even though it doesn’t look like it.
If he ever makes it to a good team, you’ll see the havoc he can cause for opposing coaches.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Mr. TKO
If you get a chance, check out the dunk on Paul Milsap from last season and the dunk on Yao Ming from a couple years back.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Chicagorilla says:
@Lakeshow
Melo has been on the block since highschool. He got away from it for a little bit when he first got in the L, but then G.Karl had a talk with him.
As for the moves, well Melo does have a nasty quick spin which Kobe doesn’t have. And being effective and unstoppable are two different things.
Effective = Kobe. He has good footwork and can make several fakes.
Unstoppable = Melo. Over powers his way to the basket AND has the moves (spin/pump fakes/step throughs) to take on even the best defenders.
I think Kobe is top 3 no matter how you look at it as far as scoring. Melo/Kobe/Wade in that order.
Crazy thing is, if Lebron could even develope a LITTLE post game, he’d be the most effective scorer in the L with his passing and all. I guess we’ll have to wait til he injures his knee or ankle before he starts to get smart.
@KDizzle
While I do like Paul Pierce’s vetran savvy. He is missing a very important assest when trying to be unstoppable. ATHLETCISM!!! And Melo has buckets of it. Pierce can score from mid-range in and get his shot on almost anyone, but Melo CAN GET HIS SHOT ON ANYONE without question. And i think his speed and power and size (6’8 240 at least compared to PP who is 6’6 230 and lathargic).
As for the talk on Durant…. I didn’t know Kenny Smith had that many followers. Every since he said that BS about Durant being top 3 MFers have lost their minds. And I have been a fan of Durant since he was a Senior in highschool. And he will be great as soon as he gets stronger and can handle the physical play…or until Sternie changes the rules again.
September 7th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Bojangles says:
Lebron is a way better penetrator, way better passer, and shoots the three at a better percentage. Carmelo really has one thing he does better than Lebron, and thats his post game. Can’t see how Carmelo is either more “unstoppable” or more “unguardable”.
Plus, before using Kobe’s 58% inside shooting percentage (courtesy of 82games) to make the point that he has become less effective attacking the hope, you should note that Carmelo’s inside shooting percentage last year was 59%, pretty much the same. By the way, Lebron’s was 74%.
I’m not trying to jock Lebron too hard, I just think its ridiculous to write an article on a really good basketball website claiming that Carmelo Anthony is in any way a more “unstoppable” player than Lebron. Carmelo might have more variety to his offensive game, but he needs this variety to be effective. Lebron could basically tell the other team he was going to play high pick and roll for the entire game and still wind up with 30 and 10. To me, that is the definition of “unstoppable”.
September 8th, 2010 at 12:08 am
Chicagorilla says:
@Bojangles
nice point and all with the stats. But Men lie, Women lie, Numbers ALSO LIE!
This is not like baseball where you can determine a players ability based soley on numbers.
Melo has a complete game. Lebron has the best speed and power combination in the L (though Melo isn’t far behind).
As far Lebron being unstoppable…its called let him shoot. He hurts his team more when he shoots jumpers. You back off Lebron and let him shoot and if he doesn’t Bull his way to the basket with the benifit of Sterns goons (the Refs) calling fouls, then he’ll shoot himself out of the game 75% of the time.
Step back and let Melo (or Kobe/Wade/Durant for that matter)shoot….then watch him go for 50pts 75% of the time. Melo’s game is more complete by far.
What that means is, if you take away Melo’s drive (like the Spurs did to Lebron in the 05 Finals) he still give you buckets with the jumper. Crowd him and he slip past you for a step back/pull up or AND 1 at the rim. Put a big on him, he skates pass them with a sick first step. Put a small on him, he puts them in the torture chamber on the blocks. Double team him and he can power through for more buckets using his post game and 240lb (though i think he’s closer to 250lbs at least). He’s adept at getting buckets from anywhere on the court. Not just shooting percentages. Which is what makes him so clutch. Because he can get any GOOD shot he wants.
September 8th, 2010 at 12:42 am
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Chicagorilla
Well said.
@ Dime Fans
If Kobe Bryant says Carmelo is the hardest player to guard in the NBA, I’d listen to him.
September 8th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Chaos says:
Damn i am late on this one but
Melo is the most unguardable right now in the L but…
he has one knock on him and it is mental. he is one of my favorite players in the L but what i noticed is that he does not respond well when he plays defenders that play him dirty. he already doesnt get alot of calls so they seem to do more to him. Look at guys he has payed against: bruce bowen, quinton ross, ron artest. those guys tend to play dirty in some kinda way whether it is undercover (ross) or blatant (bowen). when he gets hit, held, tripped, etc he tends to lose his cool and it takes him off his game. if he played the Bad Boys of detroit, he would get ejected every night. he just doesnt quite have the mental toughness yet to deal with that type of player. once he decides to go into assassin mode like reggie miller who would pull off small unnoticed moves like pushing off, smacking an opponents hand, stepping their feet when cutting or goin around a pick he will be truly unstoppable.
September 8th, 2010 at 7:12 am
Andy says:
I can say that i am a Kobe fan. However, i have to agree that last season, Melo was better offensively. He has the full package, and such a great dynamic on his shot. Great footwork, great speed, good moves. If he would give the same effort defensively, he would become truly unstoppable. That’s the difference between him and Kobe right now. Kobe will be good on offense, but stop guys as well. If Melo would just try a bit harder…He has so much untapped talent…
September 8th, 2010 at 7:54 am
ctkennedy says:
if we talkin offensive skills then joe johnson got more than kevin durant and dwayne wade…hes not a better all around player but puttin it in the goal he can do
jj has a better jumper,range,and post up game over wade
jj is stronger,better iso player,and can pass better than durant if doubled…once again i would take durant and wade over jj cuz he dont have the heart i need to be my best player but as far as skills he is better than them both
September 8th, 2010 at 9:57 am
mess says:
I don’t know why these articles get so many comments. Oops, I just added another one.
September 8th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Andrew Macaluso says:
@ Mess
It’s a topic of conversation, as you can tell.
September 8th, 2010 at 10:25 am
bigdoggchad says:
25.6 ppg on 47% shooting in 3 games against Artest is getting shut down I guess.
Min FG-FGA Pts
30 11-20 25 Nuggets win in a blow out.
39 7-19 21 This is the game Melo fouled out and Artest was able to do anything to Melo and not get whistled
42 10-20 31 Another Nuggets win
Take out the game when Artest was able to mug Melo all game and melo average 28ppg on 52.5% shooting.
Yep that looks like Ron can stop him.
September 8th, 2010 at 11:16 am
JAY says:
I love stat hounds.
Way to sniff that out bigdoggchad!
September 8th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Bojangles says:
@ chicagorilla
I understand your point about letting Lebron shoot, but the same argument can be made just as strongly, if not more strongly, against Carmelo. Your not going to stop either of these guys from getting their shots off, so the key is to make them take lower-percentage shots, namely, long contested jumpers.
And from what I’ve seen of both guys (and from what a lot of people have said in the comments) it seems a lot easier to get Carmelo to the point where he’s only taking mid to long range jumpers, shots which he can hit, but which really are not good high percentage shots. Lebron, while he does at times fall in love with the J, seems far more inclined to force the issue, and take the ball to hoop even if his defender is giving him space. I think this contrast highlights one of my main frustrations with this article’s premise that Carmelo is “ungaurdable” or “unstoppable” and that is that Carmelo seems to stop himself so often; by not taking advantage of his incredible post game, by not hitting the offensive glass, by allowing himself to become a jump shooter. He reminds me way too much of Vince Carter in this regard, someone who is a great offensive player, but who for some reason seems far too content to settle for shots, rather than taking advantage of his size, strength and quickness, whether its in the post or off the dribble.
September 9th, 2010 at 3:02 am
???? says:
“Many believe that ‘Melo is a one-dimensional player, but that’s far from the truth. ‘Melo has a variety of offensive moves in his arsenal”
Hmmm.. I think he’s believed to be one-dimensional because of his weaknesses in defense and in other offensive aspects other than shooting. Not because people think he has limited offensive moves.
September 9th, 2010 at 3:03 am
???? says:
“Many believe that ‘Melo is a one-dimensional player, but that’s far from the truth. ‘Melo has a variety of offensive moves in his arsenal”
Hmmm.. I think he’s believed to be one-dimensional because of his weaknesses in defense and in other offensive aspects (passing, off the ball movement) other than shooting/scoring. Not because people think he has limited offensive moves.
September 9th, 2010 at 8:39 am
bigdoggchad says:
@ Bojangles
Another reason Melo doesn’t take it to the hoop as much is he doesn’t get the superstar treatment with the whistle like LeBron or even worse last year Durant. He also gets a lot of offensive fouls called on him. Somebody already commented that Melo gets no calls. Just watch him play and you will agree.
September 9th, 2010 at 8:42 am
bigdoggchad says:
But I do agree he settles for his jumper too much. I think he is at his best when he is in beast mode working in the paint and getting after the offensive rebounds.
September 9th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Rainman says:
When they called him one dimensional, they didnt mean offensively…
his over all game is what they meant.
And apart from offense,(as u just established) what else he got as a true weapon?
September 10th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Clayton says:
come on really? melo the most unstoppable force in the league? he is more diverse offensively than lebron but kobe, kd, wade, and lebron are better offensively than melo (not to mention better overall players)..melo has yet to get to 29 ppg in a single season.
September 12th, 2010 at 9:26 am
J says:
I think what people meant by one-dimensional is summed up by the last paragraph:
Or they could always take ‘Melo’s approach: “If I had to guard me,” Anthony told ESPN one time, “I’d take the night off.”
No effort on D.