Knicks: Five Reasons Carmelo Anthony Will Win An NBA Title

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Apr 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) defended by Brooklyn Nets guard Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (24) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Nets 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Old Man Game

Carmelo Anthony has never been the type of player who gets by on his athleticism. Instead, he plays a skilled and methodical game that’s more about craftiness than explosiveness.

Anthony has old man game. Though it may sound bad, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it—it actually helps his case.

This may not be what Knicks fans want to hear, but the 2007-08 Boston Celtics are the perfect model to follow. Paul Pierce was an aging small forward who paced the Celtics to a championship by picking his spots and thriving in clutch moments.

As evidenced by his play in 2015-16, Anthony has already begun to change his game in a similar manner.

Anthony moves at a smoother pace than Pierce, but they’re similar in the sense that they get by on their basketball IQ. Anthony, like Pierce, plays the angles, has masterful footwork, and knows how to beat more athletic players with his fundamentals.

As Anthony becomes a more committed defender and facilitator, he should be able to conserve energy in order to do what Pierce did in Boston: close out big games.

Next: Positional Versatility

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