Talking Points 2/24

1

While the focus is on the New York Knicks, their acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, and whether they can get a third superstar in summer 2012, the Denver Nuggets are getting good reviews in the trade.

NBA writer Tom Lorenzo says: “Knowing that Anthony had no intention of re-signing with them this summer and knowing that he would have likely walked to the Knicks anyway, leaving the Nuggets with nothing to show for his services, you have to say that they made out quite well.’’

Danilo Gallinari was pretty much a trade untouchable of New York coach Mike D’Antoni, showing owner James Dolan was heavy in the negotiations. The Nuggets also wanted 7-foot Timofey Mozgov. Denver gets some valuable expiring contracts, a 2014 first-round pick and a variety of trade options.

Lorenzo says the Knicks may have outbid themselves and given up more than they needed to get Anthony. He gives the Timberwolves a grade of B, the Knicks a B+, but the Nuggets earned an A.

2

Older Portland football fans might remember the name Marcus Dupree. He came out of high school in Mississippi destined to be the greatest football player ever. He played a season at Oklahoma, where he rushed for 239 yards in the Fiesta Bowl and was second-team All-America as a freshman.

But conflicts ensued. When Barry Switzer gets on you for a lack of discipline, you know you have issues. He left Oklahoma and signed with the USFL, eventually playing for the Portland Breakers and injuring his left knee.

Dupree has returned. Now a grandfather, Dupree, 46, dropped make-believe elbows on a pretend bad guy as a pro “rassler’’ in his hometown of Philadelphia, Miss. He shared the bill with Krypt Keeper and Albino Rhino.