NY Knicks: How a reunion could have added to Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy

NY Knicks: Who retires Carmelo Anthony’s jersey?

This begs the key question: Who will take the step of retiring Melo’s jersey after he retires? The answer could be both teams. After all, the star currently sits as the third-highest scorer in Nuggets’ history with 13,970 points, and the seventh-highest scoring Knick with 10,186 points. However, the lack of playoff success and the tumultuous ending with each club causes his jersey retirement into question.

A second stint with the NY Knicks would have made a real difference in this conversation. Not only would Anthony have had an opportunity to add to his counting stats totals, but he would have been able to end his tenure with the franchise on a healthier note. I firmly believe that even one extra season in NYC would have added enough to Melo’s legacy to clear jettison him into the threshold of jersey retirement.

Where do Both Parties go from Here?

Anthony has been outspoken on his desire to see his jersey lifted into the rafters in Denver. He also hopes to see his #7 on display at MSG. For now, we’ll have to wait and see how both situations play out.

While it is admittedly a long shot, there is still one clear path toward an impact being made in this conversation. Melo’s contract with the Lakers is a single-year deal for the 2021-2022 season. This runs through his 19th season and would bring him to the age of 38.

There is a conceivable path toward Melo electing to return to the league for his 20th season in 2022-2023. While he would be one of the oldest (if not the oldest) players in the sport, the former Syracuse superstar has shown he can still be an effective scorer when called upon.

Last season, he averaged a very respectable 13.4 points per game while shooting a hair under 41% from three. While his agility and defensive skills will continue to decline with age, Carmelo seems equipped to hit a mid-range jumper or a corner three for years to come. As shown here, he is certainly capable of coming up big in clutch moments:

Tempted to think this version of Melo is a think of the past? Let me draw your attention to moments

like this during recent years with the Trail Blazers:

If the stars align, perhaps Anthony could rejoin New York for one final season full of nostalgia and healing. Even if his role is more as a veteran leader than a consistent on-court talent, a reunion between Carmelo and the New York Knicks could be the perfect close to a legendary basketball career.