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New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony says team perception hurt free agency

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image.) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Multiple exposures were combined in camera to produce this image.) Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks looks on during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 27, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In a return to the five boroughs, Carmelo Anthony discussed the perception around the New York Knicks in free agency and said it didn’t help their case.

13 months have passed since the New York Knicks sent Carmelo Anthony to the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending their six-plus seasons together. It was an unceremonious final chapter due to a tension-filled public relationship with the ex-president of basketball operations, Phil Jackson.

In Anthony’s stint, the Knicks acquired Tyson Chandler, a standout center on a championship team, in free agency. Superstar-wise, however, it was expected to become a team-up with Amar’e Stoudemire, who dealt with injuries after his first season in Manhattan.

The Knicks never found that other superstar to align with the 10-time All-Star. According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, Anthony attributed this to the team’s public perception, with reference to it being “more than just basketball.”

"“I think just the business. Everything that was going on. The perception of New York Knicks … not basketball but the organization,” Anthony said Thursday when asked what kept the Knicks from landing a top free agent when he was there.“I think it probably scared a lot of people away. Scared some people away. Not knowing the nuances and the ins and outs of kind of what was going on, who is in charge, who is not. So it was more than just basketball when it came to people making those decisions,” he said."

These odds may change by the 2019 offseason, though.

The organization already has a different perception around the league, as Dwyane Wade noted in October. It’s partially from head coach David Fizdale’s influence, and the front office has sought change, as well, to make a difference before a franchise-changing summer.

The Knicks project to have over $30 million in cap space in July, with the potential departures of Enes Kanter ($18.6 million), Lance Thomas ($7.1 million), Mario Hezonja ($6.5 million), and Ron Baker ($4.5 million).

They still must uncover more funds to pay a maximum contract and lure the biggest names. Kevin Durant has become the topic of conversation for this, but it’s hardly guaranteed he leaves a Golden State Warriors squad that may win its third consecutive title. According to Marc Berman of The New York Post though, the Knicks could have an inside track.

Otherwise, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving can all hit free agency. Even the still-recovering DeMarcus Cousins, potentially healthy by July, could be a big name on the market.

Either way, money will be available to fill out a roster that has just six players locked in through 2019-20; seven with Kristaps Porzingis’ likely extension as a restricted free agent.

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The Knicks may be 2-6, but they have an opportunity to rise through next summer’s offseason and, even before that, develop the young talent that will be around when these marquee names eye a jump to New York City.

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