OPINION:

Money corrupts the souls of most men. And Carmelo and Amare make way too much money to ever give a shit about ANYTHING, let alone the process of entertaining all of us by running around in shorts playing games. It's hard to imagine either of them as champions, or winners.

Not that it's impossible. There are a few people for whom it's really important to win, win a championship. Guys like Kobe, Tyson, Dirk, Garnett, a couple others here and there, some from past generations. But they're rare, those people, and usually a little nuts.

I think Lin is one of those guys... not nuts, just sincerely dedicated. But Melo? No. He is not now and never will be a winner. He has skills, yes. He has a champion's body, sure. But he will never win a championship. He just doesn't care enough.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's arguable that Melo's way is the norm, and that the winners are indeed a little abnorm. But who cares about that? It's the bottom line we care about, and there's no room on Carmelo's bottom line for a championship. Not now, not ever. Not without a brain transplant.

Stat might get there... maybe. Doubtful, because he's so.... mellow. But it's not out of the question, given the right teammates, coaching, circumstances.

So if it's a championship you want, New York, you'd better hope Carmelo Anthony starts wearing some other uniform. The sooner the better. And if there's a good deal to be made for Stat, take that one too.