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Carmelo Anthony on Knicks: We’re Competing For a Title

By Maxwell Ogden

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No player has been as overtly optimistic about the 2015-16 New York Knicks as Carmelo Anthony. Despite the massive roster overhaul, Anthony has taken every possible opportunity to express his faith in the future of the organization—both in the short-term and the long-term.

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, his boldest claim yet.

Anthony has publicly stated he will mentor rookie Kristaps Porzingis, thus disproving reports that he’s unhappy with New York selecting the Latvian big man. He’s scoffed at the idea that he’s no longer a superstar.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Anthony is now ready to fight the notion that he and the Knicks are destined for a lackluster season.

If you ask Anthony, New York will be competing for a championship in 2015-16.

"“S—, we’re competing. People might not believe that, but we’re definitely competing for that,” Anthony said after training camp practice on Wednesday. “That’s always going to be the goal. Whether we get there or not depends on us and what we’re doing. That’s always our big-picture goal.”"

In the immortal words of Kanye West, “Shoot for the stars, so if you fall you land on a cloud.”

Anthony, 31, told reporters that he believes his title window is still open. How much longer that remains true for has yet to be seen, but he’s clearly preparing for 2015-16 with both an edge and a sense of urgency.

Already an eight-time All-Star, one can’t help but wonder what it would mean for Anthony to elevate his game to any higher a level.

Anthony’s new teammates include shooting guard Arron Afflalo and center Robin Lopez. Afflalo played with Anthony as a member of the Denver Nuggets, and Lopez is one of the NBA’s more respected two-way centers.

Both can provide consistent and efficient double-digit scoring, with Afflalo thriving as a shooter and Lopez finishing with both hands from the post.

Joining the veteran trio will be Porzingis, who’s expected to meet something of a learning curve during his rookie season. As a 7’3″ power forward who can shoot from anywhere on the court, however, his value is already undeniable.

Anthony’s been battling Porzingis one-on-one in an attempt to get a feel for his strengths and weaknesses.

One can’t help but love seeing that from a leader.

The question for Anthony and the Knicks is simple: are they actually ready to be contenders? The paper rosters will say whatever it is people make them say, but optimism states that the personnel fits the system and the star can score as well as any player in NBA history.

Knicks fans have been trained to temper their expectations, but Anthony’s confidence is nothing short of refreshing.

Next: Derek Fisher to reporters: Phil Jackson doesn't coach the Knicks, I do

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