Carmelo Anthony: What Makes An NBA Champion?

Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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It seems Carmelo Anthony’s rank amongst the NBA’s elite is always in question. Has the New York Knicks star received the same help as other players in the league?


Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) waits for play to resume against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeat the Knicks 91-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

When the clock struck triple zero in Rio on August 21st, 2016, Carmelo Anthony and Team USA officially won the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics. An emotional Anthony was clearly proud of the team’s accomplishment.

Many have questioned his will and desire to win, but that scene alone should make it clear how Anthony would react if the Knicks won an NBA championship.

Criticism is nothing new to Anthony; he’s dealt with it throughout his career. He’s often told by flocks of people on social media, as well as NBA pundits and analysts, that he can’t be the centerpiece of a championship team.

However, when you look at other premier players like Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, and Kevin Durant, these players have had stable organizations that have emphasized drafting and signing the right players to play with their superstars, along with hiring coaches to harness their talents.

Obviously, I don’t count Donald Sterling as stable, but the Clippers have perennially put out a Top 5 team in the Western Conference since Paul’s arrival.

Since joining the Knicks, Anthony has seen many new faces come and go. Will he ever get a fair shot at a title?

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