Why Carmelo Anthony’s best legacy move is a reunion with Knicks in free agency
By Allen Settle
Does a reunion make sense for the Knicks?
I’m in favor of a reunion from Carmelo’s perspective. But of course, this is only one-half of the equation. The concept must also be addressed by the Knicks franchise.
Does adding a 38-year-old Anthony do anything to aid the on-court product in NYC? While the idea of a fairytale ending sounds nice, the Knicks cannot afford to waste a roster spot on a player that doesn’t fit. Leon Rose has drawn ire (subscription required) from the national media, while many (myself included) have publically questioned Tom Thibodeau’s future as the club’s head coach.
High-level jobs are on the line. New York must rebound from last season’s failure.
So, does Anthony move the needle toward winning? I believe that he can in the following three ways:
First, consider New York’s depth chart. Thankfully, budding stars like Immanuel Quickley and Obi Toppin give the team depth in the front and backcourt. However, the loss of Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel leaves the team notably top-heavy.
Were there a lot of moments last season where you marveled at how deep the roster was? It seems that an already shallow depth chart is even more void of bench playmakers.
While there are several remaining free agents that could help correct this issue, Anthony’s skillset would have value. We know that his midrange and iso game is still strong. While his defense is a liability, perhaps a guru like Thibs and an elite rim protector like Robinson can help make up for this deficiency.
Second, consider Melo’s ability to help mentor some of the younger players. I’m specifically thinking about RJ Barrett. Though he once carried a reputation of being selfish, the stint in Portland seems to have reinvented the twilight of Anthony’s career.
Could you imagine how the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest scorers in Knicks history would aid the development of Barrett (and Toppin for that matter)? I would love to see the difference a mentoring Melo could make.
Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that the Knicks already have a recent example of helping an aging star find success for himself and the team. Though former MVP Derrick Rose was over half a decade younger than Anthony when he joined New York in 2020, his injury history had ravaged his elite above-the-rim athleticism.
Yet, New York was able to rehab the former star. Rose quickly became a super valuable weapon off the bench. In fact, on numerous occasions over the past few seasons, Rose has served as the Knicks’ primary option at the end of close games.
I do not expect that Anthony would fill this type of role. But I am encouraged that the franchise seems to have a working formula for finding success in these types of situations.
The stars seem to be aligning for one final opportunity for the wayward son in Anthony to come home to MSG. For the benefit of his legacy and the Knicks’ on-court success, I truly hope that each side will seriously consider a reunion.
Would you like to see Carmelo Anthony back in a Knicks uniform?
