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New York Knicks: Five Reasons Carmelo Anthony Is Still A Top 20 Player

By Maxwell Ogden

Aug 21, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) and USA guard Kyrie Irving (10) pose for a picture after winning the gold medal in the men's basketball gold medal match during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: David E. Klutho-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Carmelo Anthony (15) and USA guard Kyrie Irving (10) pose for a picture after winning the gold medal in the men's basketball gold medal match during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: David E. Klutho-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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. Positional Versatility

Don’t confuse well-rounded statistics with positional versatility. Many players can rebound well from their position, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can box out and bang down low—just as being able to hit open jumpers doesn’t mean a player can create their own offense.

One of the most valuable aspects of Carmelo Anthony’s game is the positional versatility that he possesses—a trait that few can match.

When a player can effectively play multiple positions on the floor, that offers a significant upgrade in value. Anthony certainly fits the bill as a Top 5 small forward and an unstoppable force when placed at power forward.

Golden State Warriors superstar Kevin Durant kept it brief when explaining why Anthony is so effective at the 4. Per John Schuhmann of NBA.com:

"“You can’t guard him with a big fella,” Kevin Durant said of Anthony."

It’s as simple as that.

Anthony is too strong for the average small forward and too quick for the average power forward. Even in the era of hybrids and small-ball sets, he’s one of the most physically overwhelming players in the NBA.

Anthony is also too skilled to give space, with top-flight proficiency from the post, midrange, and beyond the arc when found in rhythm.

Under an open-minded head coach, Jeff Hornacek, Anthony should remind the masses of how valuable it is to have a player with positional versatility.

Next: Leadership

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