Pippen: No Noah for Melo

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 22, 2010 6:40PM

More and more, it appears that the Denver Nuggets are ready to trade Carmelo Anthony rather than lose him to free agency next summer. Among Anthony's top choices are the Bulls, who are interested in adding a top five superstar after striking out on LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh this past off-season.

Rumors suggest Melo could be sporting Bulls' red and black when the season begins if GM Gar Forman were wiling to part with both Luol Deng and Joakim Noah. But should the Bulls give up a blossoming center to land Melo? Former Bulls star and recent Hall of Fame inductee Scottie Pippen doesn't think so. Said Pip on Tuesday's "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000, "Based on his reputation, I'd probably have to stay with Joakim because you know that this kid is going to come out to play night in and night out. There's no excuses. He's a great teammate. That's what you want."

While we don't have the Hall of Fame credentials, we, too, think the Bulls would be crazy to trade Noah for Melo. With so few dominant big men in the NBA, Noah has shown he can make an impact. And while Carmelo Anthony might be one of the best scorers in the league, his lack of defensive play might not translate well into new coach Tom Thibodeau's system. And Anthony has been known to give less than 100% when not happy. True Hoop's Henry Abbott lays out reasons for and against trading Noah for Anthony. While it balanced the pros and cons, we're still firmly in the "don't trade" camp.