So there are no guarantees – one would need to consider more carefully exactly how Anthony would integrate into Mike D’Antoni’s offense and exactly which type of shots he’d take. One would also need to think about Anthony’s defense, where he is no standout. But upon a more careful examination, the argument that Anthony is a merely average offensive player turns out to be superficial.
I, for one, have never argued that Anthony was an average offensive player. I've always described him as Al Harrington on steroids - and Al Harrington could have been an elite offensive player (had he only learned to play within himself). And Anthony is better than that. But with Amare already in the house, one questions whether his greatest talent (as outlined by Silver) is even needed - as opposed to a couple of macho defenders.
Now, were Amare to go down...that equation would be different. Which is why Anthony, if he truly wants to win championships, needs to sign here this Summer, rather than insist on getting his extension. If he just wants to get paid, he's telling me that he's not a champion at heart - and I don't want him.

























