Knicks Star Carmelo Anthony Wants His Voice Heard
Carmelo Anthony has entrusted the New York Knicks with the final years of his prime. The nine-time NBA All-Star is now asking the Knicks to hold up their end of the bargain.
Prior to the 2014-15 NBA season, the New York Knicks signed Carmelo Anthony to a five-year contract worth roughly $124 million. In other words, the Knicks have effectively made Anthony the franchise player.
Thus, it comes as no surprise that the franchise player would like a say in what the organization does from hereon out.
Anthony has been forthcoming in his opinion on virtually all Knicks issues, whether it be the coaching search or the upcoming period of free agency. With the Knicks having completed the 2015-16 season, the time has finally arrived for the 31-year-old to focus on the future.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Anthony being focused on the future comes with a hope that the Knicks will include him in all major decisions.
"“I want to be a part of that,” he said. “If I’m going to be a part of this organization and the future of this organization, then I want to be a part of the decision-making in some way, shape or form.”"
If you find this to be controversial, you likely need some background information.
Narratives are fun, but Anthony will turn 32 years old in May. He re-signed with the lowly Knicks when contending teams were ready to pay him massive amounts, and while his latest comments may seem like a threat, they’re something different.
Anthony isn’t threatening the Knicks; he’s simply asking Phil Jackson to hold up his end of the bargain.
In order to reward Anthony placing his final prime years in the organization’s hands, The Zen Master must make a splash in free agency. New York has a strong foundation with Anthony, Kristaps Porzingis, and Robin Lopez, but it needs stability in the backcourt.
The question is, who should the Knicks be signing? Anthony has his thoughts.
"“I look at the list [of free agents] every day. Whether it’s for me, whether it’s for other teams,” he said. “I want to see what other guys are thinking about as far as who they want to get to better their team and where we fit in the free-agency market. I look at that stuff. Those are things I pay close attention to.”“I think that question is kind of twofold,” [Anthony] said. “I think we should go and get the players that Phil [says] can be a part of this system. I think all good players can adapt to whatever system it is out there. I don’t want the players that we are trying to go after to put too much into the actual thinking of the system. If you’re a ballplayer, you’re a ballplayer. You come to work, you play hard, you be part of what we have going on here. Then just like any other system you have to learn.”"
Anthony has a vested interest in New York’s future, and he’s not standing idly as it ponders what the next logical step should be.
The star-caliber point guards on the open market will include Mike Conley, Rajon Rondo, and, depending on how you view his potential, Jordan Clarkson. The intriguing shooting guards feature Nicolas Batum, DeMar DeRozan, and Anthony’s close friend: Dwyane Wade.
Longshots Kevin Durant and LeBron James, as well as restricted free agents Bradley Beal and Andre Drummond, will also be available.
There are a number of intriguing players beyond the big names, but what’s clear is that New York needs to build a contending roster—and fast. Anthony turn 32 years old in May, which is generally regarded as one of the final years of a player’s prime.
Thus, the sense of urgency.
If Anthony has it his way, he and Jackson will find the ideal head coach and complementary players during the summer of 2016—together.