So what does Melo have to do to earn Elite Status? For me, he has to get to the NBA Finals, and I don’t know if that happens with the New York Knicks team.  He’s obviously always going to be a top player from his draft class.  But look at that class, and you see Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, even Chris Bosh, who all have earned titles.  Wade has two, and is playing along side Lebron on their way to another possible one with the way they’re playing this season.

As long as Lebron James is playing that probably takes away any thought of Melo earning MVP as well. Truly, I don’t know if Melo makes it to that Elite Level of player that some fans have him at.  He’s a great scorer, but all around, his game just doesn’t do enough. Sure a game winning shot here and there builds up the mystique.  But what about all around play to carry your team somewhere.  If the Knicks fall in the second round, isn’t that quite a disappointment as they should have a great shot at the Conference Finals, and who knows what could happen there. Carmelo Anthony to me just has some mighty work to do to really earn another level of superstardom.

Where do you rank Carmelo Anthony on the level of playing ability? 

Jun 21 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) lays the ball up past Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Nick Collison (4) and James Harden (13) during the fourth quarter of game five in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. The Heat defeated the Thunder 121-106. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

What can I say about Lebron James? He’s the most complete player around right now.  He can dominate on offense, play any position asked, more impressive as a defender than I’ve realized, and is truly a floor general out there.  That covers it right?  He’s know got the NBA Championship marked off his list, so what more could he do?  Win another championship is what critics will say.  I think he’s a guy that I love to hate, but can’t discredit what he can do.

Paul Pierce

Jun 9, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) shoots a three point shot against the Miami Heat during the second quarter in game seven of the 2012 NBA Eastern Conference finals at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Another one of those guys I can’t stand in the NBA, but he’s definitely good.  He can score at will when he wants to. He’s got a good looking shot.  He goes out and gives it his all.  You know what you’ll get with Pierce, which is great.

Carmelo Anthony

Apr. 8, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives past Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won in overtime 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

And another one of those I don’t like him players.  I don’t think he’s that great, but for his position and his offensive power, it works.  I think he doesn’t look for teammates enough, but that’s another issue. If there’s a shot to take at the end, you know he’s a great option.

Kevin Durant

Jun 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) drives to the basket against Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem (40) during the second quarter of game five in the 2012 NBA Finals at the American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-US PRESSWIRE

Finally a player I like.  Kevin Durant does things the right way.  He signed an extension with the Thunder last summer, and guess what he puts it on twitter.  No big production out of it, just a simple I’m staying in Oklahoma City.  He’s been developing that killer instinct that players need, and the great players want.  He’s a force to be reckon with at the end of a game.  You know to give him the ball and let him win the game  for you.