Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Back to the Future: The 2003-04 NBA

By Trey Flynn

MINNEAPOLIS - MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - MAY 23: Head coach Flip Saunders of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on in Game Two of the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2004 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 23, 2004 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves won 89-71. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER – FEBRUARY 18: Carmelo Anthony
DENVER – FEBRUARY 18: Carmelo Anthony /

Rookie Carmelo Anthony lead the Denver Nuggets to the playoffs before LeBron James.

Picked 3rd overall in the 2003 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony was a force in his rookie year. Only the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons passed up the chance on Melo. For who? One of the best ever – LeBron James – and also, ‘he who should not be named’ – Darko Miličić.

Carmelo became the fourth player in NBA history to win all six Rookie of the Month awards. The other players were fellow draftee, LeBron James, Spurs legend David Robinson, and another Spurs legend Tim Duncan. Although a fantastic season, Melo’s contribution to the team as a whole is what stood out in his rookie season.

The Denver Nuggets were a league worst, 17-65, prior to the 03-04 season. With the sole addition of Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets finished 43-39, securing an eighth seed playoff spot – later eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a saddening five game series.

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