Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl has spent 25 seasons as an NBA coach, some of which he's spent coaching now New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony.

As coach and player in Denver, Karl often was critical of Anthony saying he felt he was selfish and didn't play good defense. However, Karl is singing a new tune for his former player and giving him the praise he well deserves.

Prior to Sunday night's game against the Knicks', Karl  said he had noticed the way Anthony was playing, that Anthony - albeit through just 17 games this season - had changed. Karl said he was pleased to see Anthony playing at such a high level, finally showing signs of being the true leader of a team.

"I've said I feel that Carmelo is going to win a championship someday," Karl said. "He's going to figure out that the numbers and the stats sheets aren't important. It's the scoreboard and the intangibles that make winners champions."

Karl pointed out that Anthony's success can also be contributed to a combination of circumstances he has at his disposal in New York.

Karl points out that Anthony is surrounded by a defensive minded coach in Mike Woodson, being directed by another defensive minded and champion in Tyson Chandler and can be mentored and pushed by the veteran leadership of Jason Kidd.

"There is just a lot of good psychological toughness out there," Karl said of the Knicks. "So much of the stuff we learn in basketball, and in life, comes from a story or a comparable situation that you can relate to and recognize that you should change and can change."

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