Melo making a fine mentor

And now J.R. Smith, new teammate are on fire for Nuggets

By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News November 28, 2006

Facing a life-changing decision, J.R. Smith did what teenagers have been doing for centuries: He turned to an elder.

In this case, the advice he sought came from a 19-year-old who was less than a year removed from college.

Carmelo Anthony turned out to be a big influence on Smith, then 17, as he wrestled with the decision whether to attend the University of North Carolina or make the jump from high school to the NBA.

"He was definitely an adviser," Smith said Monday. "He told me to make the best decision possible, but if I really wanted to be serious about basketball, I should go pro."
Less than three years later, Anthony is benefiting from Smith's decision to pursue a basketball education in the NBA.

Twelve games into their relationship as Nuggets teammates, Anthony is the second-leading scorer in the league at 31.1 points per game and Smith has given him strong support on the wing, averaging 17.9.

Their combined 49-point scoring average is tops in the NBA.

"Those guys are playing well. They're getting the majority of the shots, so they get a chance to score the ball a lot, and we're looking for them," Nuggets center Marcus Camby said. "They're just making basket after basket, and they seem to be jelling well in the early part of the season."
Though playing together for the first time in the NBA, Anthony and Smith began cultivating a relationship a few years ago when Smith was contemplating his future.

Anthony was near the end of his rookie season with the Nuggets when he attended the 2004 McDonald's All-American Game in Oklahoma City. Smith, representing the East team, took advantage of Anthony's presence, asking him for guidance.

Anthony won a national title as a freshman at Syracuse before leaving for the NBA. Should Smith follow that same path and develop his game for a year at North Carolina?

"I was like, 'Look, whatever you want to do. If you feel like you're ready, then come on in. If not, then go to college,' " Anthony said. "Obviously he felt like he was ready."

In hindsight, it is tough to say whether Smith made a good or bad decision. He was the 18th overall pick of the 2004 draft and averaged 10.5 points as a rookie, but he experienced some serious growing pains in two seasons with the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets.

Smith lost his confidence - and his place in the rotation - after clashing with Hornets coach Byron Scott in 2005-06. An offseason trade to Denver, via Chicago, has provided a fresh start and a chance to play alongside his friend and mentor Anthony.

"Eventually we was going to play on the same team because nobody stays on the same team forever," Smith said. "Hopefully we play together throughout most of our careers."

If Smith, 21, and Anthony, 22, continue to click, the Nuggets will have no reason to separate them.

During Denver's current five-game winning streak, the two are combining to average 55.6 points - Anthony 31.8 and Smith 23.8. Smith has made 17 three-pointers during that span; Anthony has done much of his damage in the post, at the free-throw line and in the open court.
Anthony was recognized for his effort Monday when he was chosen Western Conference Player of the Week. It is the fourth time he has received the award in his four NBA seasons.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't like it," Anthony said. "Anybody tell you that they don't like to hear that they got player of the week, it's (not true)."

In four Denver victories last week, Anthony averaged 31.3 points on 54.8 percent shooting. He also averaged 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals.

"He's hot right now. In my eyes, he's the MVP of the league," Camby said. "I don't see anyone playing better. He's scoring. We all know he can do that, but he's also rebounding and passing, something he has been lacking in the past."

Anthony, who lost out to LeBron James for the 2003-04 Rookie of the Year award and has not yet been an All-Star, is not about to get caught up in MVP talk, but Nuggets coach George Karl sees a special fire in his franchise player.

"Last year after the All-Star break, I thought he was on a mission," Karl said. "I think the USA team (experience last summer) showed that he was very much on a mission, and I think he's on a mission to pick this team up and be a winning playoff team."

Karl also has been impressed with Smith but remains cautious in his praise as Smith works on improving his defense and overall decision-making skills.

"I'm not going to jump off any bridges yet. I'm happy for J.R., but a career is not built on 10 games; a career's built on season after season of improvement," Karl said. "But I can't deny that he's made us very happy."

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