Gilbert Arenas: Carmelo Anthony Could Have Turned Into Darko Milicic If He Was Drafted By The Pistons

In a recent interview on the 'Vlad TV' show, Gilbert Arenas shared his thoughts on what might have happened if Carmelo Anthony had been drafted by the Detroit Pistons instead of Darko Milicic in 2003. Arenas speculated on the potential career trajectory for Anthony, suggesting that the outcome might not have been as favorable as many believe.

"They said if Carmelo went to the Pistons and won championships, would he be as big? And I'm saying, well, if you're going to give him something, you have to take something away."

"When he was a rookie, he averaged this. He would have been coming off the bench behind Tayshaun Prince, and Larry Brown didn't play rookies. He didn't like young guys, right? So we don't know when Melo would have actually gotten to taste the court with some real minutes."

"He could have been a Darko in that situation. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have been, but he could have been. He wouldn't have been the Carmelo scoring guy that we know today. He might have had some championships, but would he have been that lead dog scorer? We don't know, but you have to take something away."

Arenas highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Anthony's potential impact on the Pistons, who were led by veterans and coached by Larry Brown, a coach known for his reluctance to play rookies significant minutes. This could have hindered Anthony's development as a prolific scorer.

In reality, Carmelo Anthony was drafted third overall by the Denver Nuggets, where he flourished as an immediate offensive force, averaging 21 points per game in his rookie season and eventually becoming one of the league's premier scorers. Over his career, Anthony has averaged 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

Conversely, Darko Milicic, who was selected second overall by the Pistons, struggled to find his footing in the NBA. Milicic averaged just 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game over his career, widely considered a bust compared to his draft classmates.

While Chauncey Billups, a key member of the Pistons during that era, believes that drafting Anthony could have led to at least three championships for Detroit and possibly forced LeBron James to leave Cleveland sooner, Arenas presents a different viewpoint. He underscores the complex dynamics and uncertainties that could have altered Anthony's career path significantly had he started with the Pistons instead of the Nuggets.

Carmelo Anthony's Legacy Would Have Been A Lot Different If He Had Joined The Pistons

Carmelo Anthony's legacy would have been significantly different if he had joined the Detroit Pistons. Drafted by the Denver Nuggets as the third overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Melo quickly established himself as a prolific scorer and one of the league's most dynamic players. However, his career has often been overshadowed by his lack of championships. If Melo had been drafted by the Pistons , his legacy might have included multiple titles and a higher standing among the all-time greats.

The Pistons won the NBA title in 2004 with Darko Milicic, a player who contributed minimally to their success. Having Carmelo on the roster would have provided the Pistons with an immediate offensive weapon and a future superstar. While it might have taken Melo some time to feature prominently and fully develop his game, his talent would have eventually shone through.

The Pistons reached the NBA Finals again in 2005 and made three more Eastern Conference Finals appearances over the next three years. With Carmelo's scoring prowess, they would have had a stronger offensive presence, potentially securing another championship or two. Melo could have played a crucial role in these deep playoff runs, enhancing his reputation as a winner.

As Melo entered his prime, the Pistons would have likely built their team around him, just as any franchise would around a player of his caliber. With the Pistons' strong defensive identity and Melo's scoring ability, they could have remained perennial contenders. This combination might have elevated Melo to a status where he could be considered a top 15, or even top 10, player of all time.

Carmelo Anthony's narrative often centers on his scoring achievements and his Olympic successes, but the absence of an NBA championship has been a glaring void. If he had joined the Pistons, his career might have been marked by multiple titles, a legacy of winning, and perhaps an undisputed place among the NBA's greatest players.

Related: Carmelo Anthony Thanks Paul George For Inspiring His Son Kiyan

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