"Carmelo [Anthony] is as important to us as any player on any team in the league," said Nuggets vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman, who acknowledged the franchise likely will discuss extending Anthony’s contract next summer. Anthony acknowledged fears of a possible lockout in 2011; the uncertain terms of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement could spur him to sign an extension next summer. He also said he’d like to be chosen as the Nuggets’ representative to the Players Association this season.