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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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Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is pressures by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is pressures by Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Production

2015-16 was a season unlike any other in Carmelo Anthony’s NBA career. He sacrificed his scoring to improve as a defender—opponents shot just 42.1 percent against Anthony—and facilitator—he averaged a career-high 4.2 assists per game.

Raw numbers aren’t everything, but the type of production that Anthony consistently provides puts him in the conversation with some of the best players in the NBA.

Anthony finished the 2015-16 season with averages of 21.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.5 3-point field goals made per game. He averaged 22.8 points on a slash line of .449/.360/.852 after the All-Star Break.

For perspective, only three other players averaged at least 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 2015-16: Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook.

Anthony admittedly needs to take the Knicks back to the playoffs before he enters any present-day discussion with Durant, James, and Westbrook. His production is on par with the best, however, and that alone justifies his Top 25 ranking.

The fact that Anthony is actually the center of an opposing team’s attention and not the beneficiary of a system or superior teammate gives his numbers Top 20 weight.

Next: Scoring Prowess

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