ESPN is almost wrapping up their 2012 NBA Player Rankings. Within the Top 20 lies the New York Knicks' super star Carmelo Anthony. Since his arrival in New York, Melo has helped the Knicks get into the playoffs on back-to-back occasions.
Many would disagree with Melo's placement on the latter end of the Top 20, but let's be serious. Melo did not have the amazing production he had while with the Denver Nuggets, actually, had his worst points per game averaged since 2008-2009.
His game fell in 2011-2012. Also not helping one of the league's elite scorers is his inability to set the table for teammates. Infamous for making a career off isolation plays, Melo likes to do it on his own as he has averaged just over three assists per game.
His defense is not outstanding, but he does average about a steal per game.
If Carmelo Anthony plays for the Knicks the way he did in the 2012 London Olympics then ESPN might be ranking him a little higher in 2013-2014, but for now, I have to agree with the ranking.
Melo is not in bad company. He was surpassed by Tony Parker, who clearly had one of the best 2011-2012 seasons. He guided the "old" San Antonio Spurs all the way to the Western Conference Semifinals along with Tim Duncan.
Right behind Melo is NBA champion Chris Bosh at No. 18 who made a big difference in the Miami Heat's lineup after returning from injury in the playoffs. His impact might surprise many, but he brought length to one of the most unorthodox lineups in the NBA. The Heat lack a dominant center and Bosh pretty much did it all in the paint and from the perimeter.