For Knicks fans, this spring and summer promise to be filled with tension; Will the Knicks make a playoff run, and will Carmelo Anthony move away from New York? The All-Star Forward has always claimed that he would love to experience the thrill of free agency, and with his contract running out at the end of the season, it’s now or never for Melo.
Although there are plenty of reasons for Anthony to leave, his wife La La Anthony spiced the situation up by stating she “definitely” thinks that Melo will still be a Knick next season. Other than the man himself, a wife is probably the best informed on a subject like this, but should we really believe this statement, or is it just a bit of bluff?
After all, I can’t think of many reasons for Anthony wanting to stay in New York, apart from the fact he is the indisputable leader and spine of his side. With a poor 17-27 record, and sitting in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks play has consequently erased all chances of Melo being in the MVP discussion. His bank account is the only thing that will grow whilst staying in New York, whilst his career will stand still. Anthony is already 29 years old, and excluding a scoring title and many All-Star appearances, his achievements are very few compared to the talent and capabilities the 6’8″ forward possesses. Furthermore, Anthony desperately wants to own a championship ring. A player like him simply can’t finish his career without having experienced an NBA title.
When a player is averaging over 27 points, 9 rebounds and shooting 45% FG, yet is not included in MVP debates, then there must be a problem with his team. The unbelievable scoring prowess of Melo shone through yet again when breaking the team record with 62 points in a game just a few days ago.
Many people criticize Melo for being too selfish, not passing enough and taking too many shots, but at the end of the day, Anthony does a great job of carrying his side. Personally I think that Melo is the most essential player for his side. New York are totally dependant of him; Take him out, the Knicks would be even further down the NBA rankings, if not at the bottom.
However, it’s all very well saying Anthony should leave, but a more important issue is where he should go. Melo is a leader, and not many title contesting teams are lacking that. Could Anthony fit in and be efficient in a side where he isn’t always the main offensive choice? Not necessarily, but there are many teams that he could lock into very nicely: Teams with a passing point guard and a solid roster. For example, Boston could be a great destination for Melo, where he could make a superb trio with Rondo and Green. Or maybe Phoenix, with Dragic and Green, that would be hard to stop. Another possibility is the Lakers; Kobe recently said he would love to play alongside Anthony, and now the health and consistency of Bryant will seriously lower his quality, Anthony could fit in nicely… Nash, Kobe, Anthony, Gasol and Kaman. That would be a nice starting five, wouldn’t it?
On the other hand, there is one team that I think would be very strong with Anthony: Washington. With one of the stars of the future in John Wall, the Wizards are a very solid side, but lack a bit of consistency and struggle against big sides, which obviously is a problem in the playoffs. With Anthony, however, Washington would be a title contender, a very strong one.
Yes, La La Anthony claims Anthony will stay in New York. On the other hand, I would be very surprised if he was still a Knick next year.
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For Knicks fans, this spring and summer promise to be filled with tension; Will the Knicks make a playoff run, and will Carmelo Anthony move away from New York? The All-Star Forward has always claimed that he would love to experience the thrill of free agency, and with his contract running out at the end of the season, it’s now or never for Melo.
