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Carmelo Anthony: What Makes An NBA Champion?

By Geoffrey Campbell

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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Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson addresses the media before the start of game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson addresses the media before the start of game against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Instability in Management

Carmelo Anthony’s tenure with the New York Knicks has seen several changes at the top of the organization and at head coach. Donnie Walsh was the first to resign, after there were reported differences between his vision and James Dolan’s regarding the ‘Melo trade.

Subsequently, after an up-and-down season and failed attempts to get Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire to play well together, Mike D’ Antoni resigned towards the end of the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season.

Mike Woodson took the helm and helped lead the Knicks to an 18-6 finish. New York was then swept by the  Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

During the 2012-2013 season, Woodson and the Knicks finished 54-28 and made it to the second round of the playoffs. New York exited at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.

The following season was disappointing. Glen Grunwald traded for Andrea Bargnani during the offseason and, in a shock move at the time, was fired in September and replaced by Steve Mills.

The 2013-2014 season was largely unremarkable as the team turned in a mediocre performance. This ultimately led to the hiring of Phil Jackson, who fired Woodson and hired Derek Fisher as head coach.

The Knicks effectively tanked the 2014-15 season and showed some promise during the following year. However, in the midst of a 1-9 spell, Derek Fisher was fired as head coach.

Kurt Rambis took over, but couldn’t turn things around.

Anthony will enter this season with a fifth head coach in six seasons. While Anthony certainly has his faults, it’s hard to see to many premier players succeeding in such an environment.

Next: The Grass Is Greener

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