New York Knicks: Lance Thomas Praises Carmelo Anthony
In the midst of a devastating stretch for Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks, Lance Thomas is coming to the 10-time All-Star’s defense.
The New York Knicks are in the process of pursuing trade partners for 10-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony. Between incessant trade rumors and Phil Jackson publicly acknowledging that he’ll attempt to trade his franchise player, the Knicks haven’t made life easy for ‘Melo.
While speculation continues to mount that Anthony will be traded, Anthony’s longest tenured teammate is rushing to his defense.
Lance Thomas has been with the Knicks since 2014-15, when he first took on the responsibility of being Anthony’s defensive safety net. He’s since developed into a high-usage player for the Knicks as far as minutes and defensive responsibility are concerned.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, Thomas jumped to Anthony’s defense and expressed his, “Love,” for ‘Melo as a player, teammate, and person.
"“I love him as a teammate, love him as a competitor, love him as a person. Everything else is out of my control, but his approach has always been great. He’s an amazing professional. I’m not going to comment on what’s happening with him and the organization and trade rumors. I just know I love him as a teammate. I want it to work out.’’"
There are a number of Knicks fans and players who share the sentiment, even if it isn’t the common opinion amongst the front office members.
Thomas signed a four-year deal worth $27,549,950 during the summer of 2016. It was perceived as a deal below his market value, which offered a fair indication of how committed Thomas is to playing and winning in New York.
Arguably the biggest reason Thomas believed he could win with the Knicks was the presence of one of the most revered scorers in NBA history.
Unfortunately, a year after Thomas signed his new contract, the leader of the Knicks could be on his way out.
Anthony and Jackson have been engaged in a public feud that’s essentially spanned the duration of The Zen Master’s tenure as team president. Whether manufactured by the media or otherwise, Jackson’s platforms for constructive criticism have alienated Anthony and his supporters.
Thomas is hopeful that Anthony and Jackson will be able to smooth things over before a basketball divorce is finalized.
If the Knicks were to trade Anthony, the working theory is that the organization would be starting over. It already has foundational pieces in Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez, and will attempt to add another via the 2017 NBA Draft.
In Thomas’ eyes, Anthony’s willingness to fight for his teammates should convince the front office to keep him in New York for the long haul.
"“Carmelo fights for his teammates,’’ Thomas said. “He loves to win. Every player in this league, when losing happens, frustration builds up and we’re in the biggest market in the world. Everything is under a magnifying glass here. But he has a passion for winning and bringing it under the biggest microscope. He’s embraced New York and has fought for the Knicks for so long. He’s done an amazing job remaining healthy and being a class act when things have been in an uproar for our team. I can only applaud his approach in everything he’s done — all of the white noise around him.”"
That’s a ringing endorsement from one of the more respected and well-liked players on the Knicks’ roster.
For as polarizing a player as Anthony admittedly is, he played a central role in the revitalization of the organization. He helped New York make the playoffs in every season between 2011 and 2013, including the 54-win campaign in 2012-13.
Unfortunately, Anthony and the Knicks haven’t made the playoffs since 2013, which has thus spawned the rumors of a potential rebuild.
That’s a harsh reality which those on all sides of this feud—including those who take no side but that of the team itself—must concede.
Whether or not Anthony is to blame for the postseason drought, he’s soon to be 33 years of age and is on the back end of his prime. He may be a casualty of Jackson’s learning curve, but he’s also at the age where teams can no longer hit the reset button.
If Jackson’s plan is to build around Porzingis, Hernangomez, and his 2017 first-round draft pick, then Anthony simply wouldn’t fit the timeline.
If his plan is to retool in free agency and add the missing pieces, however, Anthony could be the leader whom Thomas believes him to be.
Through all of the madness that’s been the James Dolan Era, both Anthony and Jackson have represented a brighter future. They’ve failed to work together, whether the fault of one or the other, but both are or will be Hall of Famers who have put forth legendary careers.
One can only hope that the results will soon reflect the brilliance of these two individuals. If not, then a trade will be imminent.
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The future of the New York Knicks is up in the air. Lance Thomas has made it known what he hopes to see transpire.