It’s “Melo” Time in Denver

After losing their first three games of the season by a combined total of 6 points, the Denver Nuggets have put together a 10-2 run.

During this stretch, star forward Carmelo Anthony has been scorching opposing teams. He has scored 30 or more points in 12 of his last 13 games. In the one sub-30 point effort, he contributed 29 points in a win against the Bulls.

Anthony's prolific scoring has garnered the attention of the league. He has been named player of the week each of the last two weeks.

Anthony was selected with the third overall pick in the 2003 draft. Prior to his selection, Denver had not made the playoffs for eight years and had been mired in management and personnel changes that seemed to evidence the team's inability to make the right changes to become a contender.

Then the Nuggets got it right — they grabbed Anthony in the draft and made him the cornerstone of their rebuilding plan. That plan seems to be coming together nicely for Denver.

The Nuggets have made the playoffs in each of the first three years of Anthony's career with Denver. However, while making the playoffs each of those years has provided some gauge of the team's rebuilding process, the Nuggets have fallen short of their potential. Losing in the first round of the playoffs for three years has provided incentive to prove themselves as more than an easy out in the first round of the playoffs.

A little more than a month into the 2006-2007 season, early indications are that the Nuggets have the ability to make more of an impact in the postseason this year. Denver is 4-2 against teams that made the playoffs last year.

One of the most satisfying wins to date this season was on November 26th over the Los Angeles Clippers — the team that eliminated them from last year's playoffs. The Nuggets won by 15 and perhaps proved to themselves that they have improved since last year's early exit from the playoffs.

Much of the Nuggets success is due to the continuing emergence of Anthony as a consistent scoring machine. Scoring at a 26-points-per-game clip last season on 48% shooting from the field, Anthony has upped the ante so far this season averaging nearly 32 points per game and an improved 52% field goal percentage.

Anthony's role as a leader on the team is developing, as well. He is earning the respect of his teammates and sets the tone on the court and in the locker room.

Anthony has quickly become a fan favorite in Denver by his play on the court. But his off-court generosity through his charitable foundation and a recent $3 million commitment to his alma mater, Syracuse, have shown his willingness to give back, as well.

Anthony was named one of three captains (along with fellow members of the 2003 draft class, LeBron James and Dwayne Wade) to the 2006 USA World Championship Team. Wade already has one championship ring and Anthony and James may well figure into the championship scene in the future.

The Nuggets have never made it to the conference finals, let alone the NBA finals. Carmelo Anthony may just be the superstar needed to finally take them there.

The season is still young and whether Denver has all of the right pieces in place to make a serious run is yet to be seen, but the Nuggets are certainly headed in the right direction and will likely make some noise in this year's postseason.

Todd Beckstead is founder of MonsterDraft.com, a site dedicated to helping with fantasy football drafts.