NBA Anthony plays key role in Nuggets' success story

The rookie from Syracuse is averaging 18.5 points a game.
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
DENVER -- He has the smile.
It's a 1,000-watt bulb that's warming an otherwise frigid populace used to wrapping itself in warm clothes, not a hot, young basketball team at this time of year. He owns the cool powder blue apparel.
It's a No. 15 Denver Nuggets jersey that sells better than any other Western Conference player's.
He has the game.
It comes complete with hype that's backed up by all-around skills and a feathery jump shot able to create points in bunches.
Carmelo Anthony already has said he wants "to be bigger than John Elway in Denver." And, so far, the 19-year-old is building a solid foundation to hold the weight of such fame.
Nearly 1,500 miles away in Cleveland is where this season's most celebrated NBA freshman (LeBron James) resides. But Anthony is the most successful rookie -- hands down -- when you consider the on-court impact of his arrival. Because, above all, Anthony has wins.
Major role in success
The 6-8, 230-pound forward has been a major part of the Nuggets' 16-11 record, going into Monday night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Nuggets hope Anthony can continue fanning the burning excitement in what had been a basketball wasteland.
Until now.
"Carmelo Anthony has a lot to shoulder," Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik said. "One thing about him is when you try and teach him, he responds. That's the trait of a champion. He's still going to have his 19-year-old games, but he's also going to have his games where he's a real pro."
If the first all-star balloting returns are any indication, Anthony's popularity is legitimate. He's fifth in the voting among forwards.
"I don't even know what to think about that," Anthony said. "The West is tough. There are a lot of great players in the West. It would be great honor to be picked."
Scoring hasn't been a problem for Anthony -- on or off the floor. He averages 18.5 points despite shooting 38 percent. At $18 million over the next six years, Anthony may be considered a steal for Nike when compared with the $90 million it will pay James.
Has ups and downs
Anthony's experienced his ups and downs like most rookies are prone to do. But his offensive game is polished, which is why Anthony was taken third overall in the draft after one season at Syracuse.
He's not shooting infamous air balls like a young Kobe Bryant did, or getting pushed around like Kevin Garnett once did or watching his early years from the end of a bench akin to Tracy McGrady and Jermaine O'Neal's NBA starts.
"Some nights I feel like I want it too bad," Anthony said. "But if I hit the open shot when I get it, drive to the lane when I have it and pass the ball when I play like that, it's pretty hard for us to lose."