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

1. Commanding Attention

It’s much easier for a player to accumulate efficient statistics when they aren’t the center of a defense’s attention. Thus, when people reference shooting percentages of any kind, always make sure the players being compared play the same role.

There are few players who command immediate double teams and eyes from all angles of the court quite like Carmelo Anthony.

Some players may test better in advanced metrics, but it’s vital to ask what it is that they do for their team. Defense, rebounding, and facilitating are invaluable strengths, but being the No. 1 scorer and playmaker is a task unlike any other in basketball.

Anthony isn’t one of the many who has the luxury of picking his spots; he’s been the beginning and the end of the Knicks’ offense since his arrival in 2010-11.

When the ball touches Anthony’s hands, his teammates stop moving and the opposition brings a double team. While scoring isn’t the only factor, a player who draws the attention of a full team generally trumps a player who’s allowed to work in isolation against one defender.

Thus, while this may not show up in the box score or advanced metrics, the fact that Anthony is respected to the point of commanding consistent double teams is a testament to his status.

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There are more well-rounded players than Anthony, but those who shine despite being at the center of an opponent’s game plan are those who deserve the most praise.

Anthony most certainly fits the bill as a Top 20 player whom every opponent makes a point to prepare for.