Carmelo Anthony Trade

This years NBA trade deadline brought about one of the biggest blockbuster trades in the past 2 years, as the Denver Nuggets sent Carmelo Anthony, Chauncy Billups, Anthony Carter, Renaldo Balkman and Sheldon Williams to the Knicks in exchange for Danillo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton and 2 future first round draft picks.  This trade, has been anticipated for the past year, as Carmelo Anthony has publically stated his desire to leave Denver for the bright lights of Times Square. For most of the NBA's existence, the league has been dominated over the years by decisions made by owners and GM's.  As of just recently, the leagues competitive balance has been dictated by the players itself. Starting when LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade all decided to team up and join forces in South Beach, star marquee players have realized their own potential and leverage to dictate their futures. While some may deem Carmelo selfish for forcing his way to the team of choice, one must take into account that he is only looking out for what’s best for him and his future. Owners and GM's trade players constantly year in and year out without hesitation, so are players wrong for attempting to use their own power to do the same?

                          

Immaturity in the NBA

This past month DeMarcus Cousins was suspended indefinently by the Sacramento Kings after yet another argument/confronatation with a teamate.  Cousins who was the 5th pick in the 2010 draft, had character concerns coming out of Kentucky, but the Kings decided to take a gamble on him. This has paid off with mixed results, as he is averaging an impressive 13 points per game to go along with 8 rebounds, yet he has continuiously argued with the coaching staff and conflicted with teamates.  This brings about the idea that there should indeed be an age limit implimented when David Stern sets up the new Collective Barganing Agreement.  You can argue that Cousins, is just like any other 20 year old kid. If thats the case, then he shouldn't be thrown in a situation where he is the "face" of an organization recieving a 7million dollar contract.  If the NBA formulates a system where players will have to stay in college for at least 3 years (or be 3 years removed from H.S Graduation) much like the NFL, there will be alot less problems concerning conduct of younger players around the league.  While Cousins is an obvious special talent, he will have to mature mentally as well as physically if he wants to last in this professional league, as he is already the topic of numerous trade rumors just 4 months into his career.