Nuggets Getting Lots Of Calls: No team in the league has been more aggressive in their pursuit of Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony than the New Jersey Nets. The Nets have stayed in frequent contact with the Nuggets and recently acquired two more first round picks in attempt to sweeten the deal for Denver.

Their competition for Anthony’s services is increasing, though.

Other teams have started calling the Nuggets with interest of obtaining Anthony even if it is on a rental basis just as the Nets thought things were getting serious.

Various outlets have included the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks as teams trying to get involved in the bidding for Anthony. The New York Knicks, reportedly Melo’s top preference, remain an option as well although the Nuggets have not been blown away with their offers as of yet.

This news serves as no surprise as Anthony has only cemented his status as one of the league’s elite players this season. He’s putting up 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists a night. His acquisition would be a major boost for any franchise and help them take a big step forward towards being contenders if they are not already.

With there still being 65 days until the trade deadline the Nuggets have absolutely no reason to rush or feel pressured to get a deal done in the next couple of weeks. They need to take their time and make sure they evaluate all their options because this trade will make or break their future. Getting the best package possible will be the difference in an extensive rebuilding period or a quick turnaround.

While the Nets’ offer that features forwards Derrick Favors, Troy Murphy, multiple first round picks and potentially pieces from other teams appears to be the most likely return right now for the Nuggets, there is always the possibility of a surprise team topping that offer. The closer those two teams get to a deal the more urgency other teams interested in Melo are going to have to improve their offer.

Superstars like Anthony don’t become available every year, so don’t be shocked if the trade talks suddenly take an unexpected turn. It’s in situations like this where the deal that is talked about the least publically ends up being the one that goes down.

Carter Excited, Maybe Injured: While a lot of people in Phoenix were understandably upset about the loss of Jason Richardson, who became a real fan favorite, it’s impossible to deny the potential of Steve Nash and Vince Carter in the backcourt together. At the very least the two will be very exciting watch and if they mesh well together they could help the Suns climb up the rankings in the Western Conference. Carter is awaiting MRI results on an ailing knee that could require arthroscopic surgery, but is anxious to get out on the court with Nash.

“I think the sky’s the limit,” said Carter on KTAR in Phoenix. “I’m going to make it my business to make sure I understand the offense and what he’s trying to get out of the offense. I’ve gotten the opportunity to play with great point guards like him and that caliber with Jason Kidd. So I kind of have the concepts already. At any moment if Steve’s not looking at you, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t see you.”

{AUTHOR_BOX}Carter very likely will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year if the Suns decide to decline his option for $18 million. He isn’t worrying about that, though, instead he’s focusing on doing everything he can to help the Suns in hopes that everything will work itself out contractually.

“This is how I approach it,” said Carter. “I figure if I can go out there and just do my job, do what’s asked of me each and every night, that’ll take care of itself. I feel like we, as athletes or people in general, make the mistake of trying to do more just because they’re trying to prove that and they get out of character. My goal is to stay in character.

“My mentality was to come out here and try to win a championship and that mentality does not change.”

If the Suns are going to have any chance of winning a championship they are going to have to get great play out of Carter and the players who came with him from Orlando: Mikeal Pietrus and Marcin Gortat.

Gortat, the league’s premier backup center for the past few years, has eagerly been awaiting an opportunity where he could play more. He often showed bright flashes of greatness in Orlando, but was overshadowed by the league’s best center Dwight Howard. Now in Phoenix he has an opportunity show everyone just how good he can be.

“Marc is a guy that’s pumped up,” said Carter. “Right before we walked up here he was just so excited. This is his opportunity. If you know Marc, you listen to him and what he’s saying. It’s tough when you have Dwight Howard in front of you. Your minutes are few and far between. Dwight is a machine. He doesn’t get tired; he doesn’t get injured. Now, Gortat is excited about the opportunity to get valuable playing time and really make a difference. I feel like his first game, boy, he might wet his pants because he’s going to be so excited.”

The new-look Suns will make their debut on Thursday when they host the Miami HEAT.

Lewis’ New Focus: With the Orlando Magic forward Rashard Lewis was focused on winning a championship and playing the right role alongside center Dwight Howard. Now as a member of the Washington Wizards his whole approach is going to change dramatically.

Wizards head coach Flip Saunders has already stated that he plans on using Lewis at both the small forward and power forward position while looking to him to provide some much-needed veteran leadership. Lewis is embracing that role and is looking forward to the change.

“Going from a team that is competing for a championship to a team that’s rebuilding, the goals obviously change for me,” said Lewis to Michael Lee of The Washington Post. “I thought about that ever since the trade happened. Now, my ultimate goal is to get this team into the playoffs or in the hunt to make the playoffs and help these guys grow by being a veteran in the locker room, not by voice but most definitely by example.

“For me, it’s whatever fits best. We have to put the best team out on the floor. If that’s me playing the four position or if that’s me playing the three position, whatever fits the team best to win ball games.”

While Lewis is obviously open to whatever Coach Saunders ask of him, his preference is to play more small forward than he did in Orlando.

“When you’re on such a good team like the Orlando Magic, some people have to sacrifice,” said Lewis. “I had to sacrifice some shots. I wasn’t necessarily a role player, but I was one of the guys who sacrificed. “Hopefully I can get back to my old self like when I was in Seattle and I made the All-Star team and I was playing the three position.” 

With Andray Blatche and Javale McGee inside the Wizards should be able to abide to Lewis’ wishes and play him more outside than in. Putting him out on the perimeter with young point guard John Wall will make the Wizards a noticeably different team that should be much more competitive in the Eastern Conference. Whether or not they can make the playoffs is questionable, but there is definitely no doubt that they are getting a motivated Lewis.

“This is most definitely going to fuel me a bit,” said Lewis. “I’m that type of guy. I’ve been doubted my whole life growing up from high school to the NBA. I feel like there’s always something in front of me challenging me. I just look at this as another challenge.”