The veteran player in the league who most resembles Carmelo Anthony is Paul Pierce. His career should offer Melo a lesson in the virtues of patience.

Pierce and Melo are almost identical in build. Their games are similar, too; both are shot-creators, good mid-range shooters, good in the lane, moderate rebounders, strong as small forwards but not strong enough to be strong forwards. Both are prodigious scorers, franchise players, elite all-stars, but neither can win championships by himself (if anyone can). Both make their teammates better by drawing defenses and creating openings, rather than by making good passes.

Pierce played nine seasons with the C's without a championship. The team had some success here and there, made it to the Eastern conference semi's in a couple seasons, tried a few trades but never made a serious run. Rondo (the C's Ty Lawson) made a big impact in his first season but didn't put the team over the hump.

Then in Pierce's 10th season the big three was assembled, champagne ensued. The formula is classic: versatile big man, shot-creating small forward, deadly wing player surrounded by good support. No reason why the nuggs couldn't do the same in the next three years.

The bigger lesson though is the credit that Paul Pierce has received for being a Celtic his entire career. This is his team, his championships, his last shot, even with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen along for the ride. If Melo waited it out in Denver he could get the same kind of credit. If he joins a big three in New York he never will.