New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony Must Lead The Defensive Turnaround
Carmelo Anthony isn’t the problem for the New York Knicks, but he can be the solution. Anthony must step up on defense and lead by example.
Until a trade is executed, it’s fair to believe that Carmelo Anthony will remain with the New York Knicks beyond Feb. 23. Anthony is in control of his own destiny with a no-trade clause that enables him to accept or decline any trade proposal he’s included in.
If Anthony is going to stay with the Knicks, then he’ll need to lead a necessary resurgence on the defensive end of the floor.
New York currently ranks No. 25 in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions at 108.7. On a per game basis, it allows 17.0 points off of turnovers, 14.6 second chance points, and 13.9 fast break points.
That translates to 45.5 preventable points per game.
It must be stated that Anthony isn’t individually responsible for New York’s defensive woes. As the franchise player, however, he shoulders a heavier burden than the average player—a burden that entails stepping up wherever the team needs him.
Working with that knowledge, the best thing that Anthony can do for his Knicks teammates is to push through the tough times and defend at the highest possible level.
When Anthony is on the court, the Knicks allow an average of 111.6 points per 100 possessions. That’s the second-worst mark that New York has with any one player on the court, with only point guard Derrick Rose rating worse at 111.7.
When Anthony comes off the court, however, the Knicks have a team-best defensive rating of 102.4 points allowed per 100 possessions.
The entire starting lineup has rated poorly in that regard, but the franchise player is supposed to be the trend-setter—not the player who follows trends. That’s why many look at Kristaps Porzingis as the emerging face of the franchise.
Four of New York’s five starters have defensive ratings at 110.0 or worse, yet the Knicks allow 107.8 points per 100 possessions with Porzingis on the court.
Anthony doesn’t need to be an elite defensive player, but he must provide a more concerted effort. He’s the tone-setter for the Knicks, which includes the manner in which he operates on offense and the effort he provides on defense.
Anthony has made significant changes to his game on the offensive end, but it’s time for him to follow suit on defense.
Anthony’s offensive game has changed in the sense that he’s holding the ball less and playing within the scheme. On defense, however, his effort has fluctuated from flashes of greatness to extended patches of lackluster closeouts and ball-watching.
The Knicks’ defensive woes aren’t Anthony’s fault, but his teammates will follow his lead on both ends of the floor.
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The key to the New York Knicks improving on defense will be Carmelo Anthony leading by example.