Respect: Carmelo Anthony has played in the NBA for three years, but he is yet to receive respect from the coaches, the refs, and the fans. Though named the Got Milk? Rookie of the Month the most out of the entire 2003-2004 rookie class, the final Rookie of the Year award was given to LeBron James. In his second year, Carmelo was passed up for the All-Star game and was said to be falling back from the 2003 draftees. In this past season, his third overall, Melo averaged 26.5 points per game, that's eighth in the league, and lead the Nuggets to their first Division title since 1988. Even with those feats on his résumé, his game still wasn't enough to impress the basketball world as he was passed up again by the All-Star voters. Still determined to succeed, Carmelo tried to make his mark in the playoffs, but failed miserably. His almost automatic jump shot was denied and the Nuggets fell 4-1 to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Much criticism was put on Melo regarding his maturity and ability to be a leader. After all of his success in college, would he be just another NBA wash up, or would he find a way to prove that he is the real deal? Turns out the one thing he needed was a college coach by his side. Mike Krzyzewski, most commonly known as Coach K of Duke University, was named the head coach of the USA Basketball Men's Senior Team. Even after Carmelo's embarrassing appearance at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Krzyzewski knew that Carmelo would be a great asset to the team he was building for the 2006 World Championships and the 2008 Olympics. This team would end up having NBA players such as All-Stars LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Elton Brand, amongst others. Though a team of youth, they were already being compared to the Dream Team, who easily won the 1992 Olympic Gold medal in Barcelona. With these high expectations and millions of fans watching every move the players made, ready to tear them apart, Carmelo was once again under close watch.

After training camp in Las Vegas closed, and all exhibition games were finished, Melo was chosen as a final member of the team and surprised many around the world in the process. Playing alongside All-Stars, a man who had received no respect was about to earn it. After fighting through injuries and pushing as hard as he could, Melo was crowned a tri-captain of the USA team. Passing every defender thrown at him, Carmelo continued to persevere. Team USA didn't end up winning the Gold medal, but had to settle for the Bronze instead. After the games were over Carmelo could still hold his head high, he scored a USA record 35 points, finished leading team USA with 19.9 points per game, and was named to the 2006 FIBA World Championships All-Tournament Team.

Now as the 2006-2007 NBA season is approaching, Carmelo is receiving a lot of attention. After his remarkable appearance at the World Championships, will Carmelo continue to excel? Will his talent be recognized as being one of the best in the league as he was already labeled one of the best in the world? Will he finally get the respect that he deserves? Only time will tell