Who will be the winner or loser? It seems that we might find out this weekend at, or during the conclusion of the NBA All-Star game. It is going to be Carmelo Anthony for sure and some lucky team after he gets over the stress of the process.
Carmelo Anthony says he is losing sleep over his decison about where he is going to work, and I can understand–it is a major life decision. While all the fans and sports pundicts discuss trade and contract scenarios Anthony is under a great deal of pressure. I am aware that others will say what pressure– as Anthony has million of dollar reasons to be happy and his stock at this point cannot be any higher. Moreover, when he woke up this morning his name was being bandied about on television and radio shows, and he is featured in the newspapers, and on internet sites. Come to think about it it this has been going on for quite sometime so what could be bad? Many wish they could be in his shoes.
However psychological stress is relative and Anthony is under a lot of stress. He has said so himself, loss of sleep is one major indicator of stress and I bet if asked, he would admit to other changes in his life. In Anthony’s case he does have a lot to be thankful for and hopefully it is those things that he will focus on which will allow for an ease of the stress he is under. However, moving, changing jobs, and all the expectations that come with these things are high stressors for all. He has many people to consider including his wife who reportedly will have a big say in where Anthony signs. Beyond signing any contract is complex–as is fraught with ntense public scrutiny.
Judging others is exactly what we do. So we make pronouncements about how other people should feel, act and respond. It is imperious and quite upsetting to those that have to hear it, even those that are as fortunate as Carmelo Anthony. Although he may be superhuman on the basketball court (by all accounts he is not the best player in the game) he is afterall just human.
After Anthony makes his decision it will be interesting to hear what he has to say in looking back at the process and what kind of emotional cost he paid. No amount of dollars can change that.