CLEVELAND — Denver’s Carmelo Anthony plays small forward, so, wait, what was he doing guarding the point guard? And was he previously guarding the opposing power forward? And also taking a turn playing center?
Yes, call him Chameleon Anthony. Denver’s all-star has transformed himself early this season, able to play different positions on the court and defend each. This, after a season in which his defense was probed as much as his offense was praised.
No, he’s not Bruce Bowen just yet, but coach George Karl said Anthony’s defense has improved, as has his attitude.
“I think we’re trying to move him around and get him in a place where he’s more comfortable,” said Karl, whose Nuggets (4-3) play at Cleveland (6-2) tonight. “He likes to cover point guards — he likes to start the defense as much as be behind the defense or involved in screens. He seems more comfortable out there on the (perimeter), rather than playing (in) screening and post-up situations.”
And, after Tuesday’s win over Charlotte, Anthony smirked when talking about filling the void at power forward.
“I knew I was going to play a little four — I didn’t know I’d play some five,” said Anthony, who spent a good deal of time defending the paint. “But we had to do what we had to do — rebound and come together, collectively, as a team.”
Tonight, Karl said Anthony will spend some time guarding fellow Olympian LeBron James, who also plays multiple positions. But Denver shooting guard Dahntay Jones, who plays primarily because of his defense, will start out defending Cleveland’s MVP candidate.
Martin feeling better.
Anthony played a lot at power forward because Kenyon Martin was out with a sprained left wrist. Martin is “optimistic” he’ll play tonight. If he doesn’t, Karl said Linas Kleiza would again start.
“It’s a game-time decision, but it felt better today,” Martin said after practice at Quicken Loans Arena. “I just don’t want to do anything to jeopardize the progress that I already made.
“I didn’t play any defense today, didn’t use my hands a lot. I did some dribbling and shooting with my left hand.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
