Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has been criticized at length this season for a perceived nonchalance in playing defense.
But center Marcus Camby and Anthony say otherwise.
“He came back this year saying he wanted to be on the all-defensive team,” Camby said.
Anthony says he takes great pride in his defense, and even envisions loving defense more than offense one day. And yes, he said it with a straight face.
“I think so,” Anthony said. “It’s starting to get there. It started this summer with the Olympic team and I’m trying to carry it on this year.”
Camby said since the start of the season he has seen Anthony “doing all of the little things to get it done” on the defensive end. Anthony explained his pride won’t allow him to play half-heartedly on the defensive end.
“I always had that pride to say look, if I’m guarding my man you ain’t just going to score 30, 40 points,” Anthony said. “I love to take on the challenge.”
Karl on Phil
Nuggets coach George Karl said he could identify with Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who was fined $50,000 Thursday for calling the NBA’s constant monitoring and punishing of star guard Kobe Bryant a “witch hunt.”
“I got suspended two games for saying something about makeup calls,” Karl said. “I’m sympathetic, but I also feel like I deserve some company.”
Jackson said his intention was to shed light on what he feels is an injustice.
Stotts thoughts
Karl on the firing of Milwaukee coach Terry Stotts, who worked as an assistant under Karl when he coached the Bucks: “Sad. I don’t think he’s done a bad job. I just think he’s been dealt bad cards. That’s where our business is. In your opportunity that you have to make something happen, circumstances don’t always (work).”
Staff writer Marc J. Spears contributed to this report.
Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com.
