But the Bulls' thrilling 94-92 victory over the Nuggets at the United Center on Monday night provided a glimpse of why the Bulls were interested in Anthony -- and vice versa.
Anthony had 32 points on 11-for-22 shooting to nearly lead the short-handed Nuggets to a win, but the Bulls (3-3) rallied from seven points down early in the fourth quarter to snap a two-game losing streak with a balanced attack.
All five Bulls starters scored in double figures. Derrick Rose had 18 points, Luol Deng 17 and Taj Gibson 16 on 7-for-12 shooting. Joakim Noah had 13 points and 19 rebounds. Keith Bogans scored 10.
But the key to the game was the defense doing just enough to hold off Anthony, who can score as easily as anyone in the NBA.
''You measure the defense by whether you're keeping the ball in front and challenging the shot,'' Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. ''[Anthony] has the capability of making shots when he's guarded and he knows how to get away from a double-team, so you can't get discouraged if he hits a tough shot.
''You just have to keep going and hope that after 48 minutes you've made him work for his points, and that's basically what we did.''
Before the game, Anthony had nothing but kind words for the Bulls when pressed by reporters.
''I don't want this taken the wrong way, but who wouldn't want to play with a young point guard like Derrick Rose?'' he said. ''They have a good young big man in Noah, and [Carlos] Boozer should be back soon. They've got a good team.''
When asked if Chicago ranked among his favorite cities, Anthony gave Bulls fans reason to dream.
''Of course, it's one of the top,'' he said. ''Want a number? Top three.''
The only reason the Nuggets began exploring the possibility of trading Anthony was a fear of losing him for nothing. That's why there were reports he would be dealt before the season.
If Anthony -- who can become a free agent at the end of the season -- wasn't interested in signing a three-year, $65 million contract extension that has been on the table since last summer, then his intention was probably to leave Denver.
But two weeks into the season, he isn't talking like someone looking to force his way out of town.
After the Nuggets' morning shootaround, Anthony was asked if he ever thought about what it would be like to play with the Bulls.
''Maybe if I was a free agent I would let my mind wander, but I can't do that right now,'' he said. ''I have to focus on being a Nugget and basketball. It wouldn't be right if I let my mind wander and think about if I was here in Chicago.
''Once I'm inside these walls, it's all about basketball. ... That's what I do best. Outside these walls, it is what it is. I'm not even thinking about business right now.''
Nuggets coach George Karl confirmed that statement.
''[He's] been great,'' Karl said. ''I only deal with him basically about basketball. He had a great camp and he's worked hard. He probably hasn't had 100 percent good practices, but he's been pretty close.''
Many observers believe Anthony will stay in Denver because he won't come close to getting a three-year, $65 million contract elsewhere.
Anthony was asked if he could see a scenario where he stays in Denver if the team is playing well in February at the trading deadline.
BY JOHN JACKSON
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