New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Should Thank James Dolan, Fans

There is a time in every man’s life when he has to grow up and accept responsibility for his actions. While in Denver, Carmelo Anthony lobbied for New York. He all but forced his way in, and the New York Knicks embraced him.

Anthony’s tenure in New York hasn’t been so bad. He has taken his celebrity to higher heights. In Denver, or any non-large market city, he would not have the fame he is now swimming in. Last year, the Knicks won 54 games, he led the league in scoring, he became the King of New York — A-listed and recognized everywhere he goes in the Big Apple.

Mar 19, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the first quarter of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

If the Knicks were not great this year, Anthony plays a large part in that. Yes, he is having a great year individually, but everyone knows that Anthony and CAA have called all the shots recently. He has stated he wants to be recruited this summer in free agency. Well, James Dolan just spent 60 million dollars to recruit him. Carmelo, do you want to just buy your ring, or earn it?

It is time for Anthony to show he is more than a great scorer, but a real teammate. It is his time to embrace New York and Phil Jackson and recruit the players he needs. Why leave now? Dolan just spent 60 million dollars to help Anthony and New York build a winner, you can’t ask any owner for a bigger commitment, a larger statement. Jackson has 13 rings; he knows how and what it takes to win. Now, in the role of Red Auerbach, he will take his talent to the front office. Jackson didn’t come here to lose or embarrass his legacy. He didn’t need the money, his ego didn’t need stroking. He is a man on a mission. Carmelo came here, begged NY to take him, embrace him. We have, Carmelo, now it’s your turn to give the great city of New York some of the love we have been showering on you.

Yesterday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says Carmelo Anthony is leaving the Knicks in free agency”

Why, where is he going to go? Houston and deal with Howard and Harden? In NY, with Jackson he has the ability to build his team. In Houston, don’t expect Harden to give up the ball. Yes, Chicago is a great city, but deep dish pizza? Come on, Carmelo, man up, take responsibility for your actions. Plant your feet firmly in the New York ground, finish what you started, finish what you came here to do. Dolan loves the Knicks and you so much, he gave you Phil Jackson to build with.

When Phil Jackson and the rest of New York’s front office sit down with Anthony this summer, Jackson can flash his two full hands plus of championship rings. He has 11 as a coach and two as a player, 13 in all. Jackson allowed and helped Michael Jordan be the best, with only Scottie Pippen and a group of team players, not superstars. The Knicks can offer more salary than any other team and can promise 2015 to be the largest free-agency splash in league history.

Carmelo, winning in New York is unlike winning anywhere else. Ask Walt Frazier, Willis Reed, Derek Jeter or Michael Strahan. When you win in NY you win the ultimate prize. You are branded a winner for life. New York can give you a legacy you can achieve nowhere else in the world, just ask Joe Namath.

Some naysayers say look at it from Carmelo’s perspective. He will be approaching 30 years old and attempting to shake the reputation of a great individual player who can never win when it matters most. Throwing a prime season down the drain isn’t reasonable. However, Jackson must have had some ideas prior to taking the job. He is 68 and is not getting younger anytime soon. He came here to win and he knows how. He can trade Chandler and now with his new energized play, possibly trade Amare Stoudemire (who has value again) as well. This would give the Knicks immediate cap space.

A new coach, some fresh faces, a real point guard,the triangle offense is all Anthony needs. Now Carmelo, the world will see what you are really made of. To go to Houston or Chicago and fail, will be your greatest failure, your losing legacy. To go to the Lakers, well, even Phil Jackson didn’t want to stay in Los Angeles. Carmelo, you made your bed here in New York, now it’s time to sleep in it. New York loves you, now it is your turn to show New York and the Knicks the same love.

Dr. Eric Kaplan is a Bestselling Author www.5minutemotivator.com

Follow him on Twitterb@drekaplan