New York Knicks: One Change Every Starter Must Make After All-Star Break

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Feb 12, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) yells to the crowd after hitting a three-point basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Carmelo Anthony: Defensive Intensity

Position: Small Forward
Age: 32 (5/29/1984)
Experience: 14th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .441/.375/.824
2016-17 Season Averages: 34.1 MPG, 23.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.2 3PM

Carmelo Anthony is the player who will determine how far the New York Knicks go during the 2016-17 season. He’s undisputedly established as the go-to scorer, but he’s also the player who sets the tone for the way the game is played on both ends of the floor.

Whether fair or foul, players on every team in the NBA follow the lead of the No. 1 star and the locker room leader—and Anthony qualifies as both.

In order for the Knicks to turn the season around, Anthony must lead by example on the defensive of the floor. He may not be able to defend at an elite level, but he can provide the necessary effort to hold his teammates accountable.

Execution would be delightful, but all that truly matters from Anthony is that, for every minute he’s on the court, he’s giving maximum effort.

New York is allowing 111.7 points per 100 possessions when Anthony is on the court—the third-worst mark on the team behind just Derrick Rose and Lance Thomas. By comparison, the Knicks are allowing a team-best 102.6 points per 100 possessions when Anthony isn’t on the court.

Whether or not you blame Anthony for the Knicks’ defensive woes, he’s the individual whose example the rest of the players will follow.

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