The 2022 NBA offseason has been a proverbial roller coaster ride for fans of the New York Knicks. The past few months have climaxed with the signing of point guard Jalen Brunson and with serious hopes of acquiring superstar Donovan Mitchell. Yet, the promise of stardom resulted in disappointment when the Utah star was ultimately traded to the newly formed Eastern Conference power Cavaliers.
While the Knicks are unquestionably improved, the recent peaks and valleys have left this offseason feeling oddly incomplete. However, recent traction surrounding former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony threatens to add salt to the wound.
Bleacher Report reported that talks between Anthony and the rival Boston Celtics have “gained traction.” This would be a nightmare ending to an already anti-climactic offseason.
In many ways, Anthony represents the Knicks’ best era in recent memory. While the franchise was unable to accomplish the postseason success they craved during Anthony’s tenure, the future Hall of Famer gave Madison Square Garden its best taste of star power in the 2000s.
A look back at Carmelo Anthony’s numbers with the Knicks
Need a reminder about how good Carmelo was in New York? Look no further than the numbers!
Anthony’s 24.7 points per game ranks among the best in franchise history. For context, NBA Legends Bob McAdoo (26.7) and Bernard King (26.5) set the pace.
In just seven seasons in New York, the former Syracuse star ranks 10th on the Knicks’ all-time list of:
- Field goals made (3,627)
- Third in three-pointers made (762)
- Ninth in free throws made (2,170)
- Seventh in total points scored (10,186)
- Fifth in player efficiency rating (21.8)
- First in usage percentage (31.7)
- First in offensive box plus/minus (4.5)
- And third in total box plus/minus (3.3)
Oh! And he also made the All-Star team all seven seasons. By most standards, he is a clear top 10 player in Knicks history. One could even argue that he is a top five talent.
Carmelo Anthony’s best moments with the Knicks
The numbers make a clear but impersonal connection between Melo and the Knicks. The moments, however, add in the needed emotion.
Do you remember watching Anthony post a Knicks single-game record with 62 points against the Charlotte Bobcats in January 2014? Each time Melo would pull up from mid-range or catch the ball on the block, it was like watching a high-stakes finals game. Had Carmelo not been taken out of the game after breaking the record with more than seven minutes left in the game, he could have approached Kobe Bryant’s historic 81-point mark.
What about Anthony’s two daggers against the Chicago Bulls in April 2012? Melo’s late game heroics swallowed the efforts of Derrick Rose and his prime Bulls team.
Or how about the first moment that Melo arrived at MSG? Do you recall the energy? The excitement? The hope of hearing Anthony’s name called during his first game in NYC?
Knicks fans would be disappointed to see Carmelo Anthony sign with Celtics
I have written before about my desire for a Melo/Knicks reunion before the end of the star’s playing career. I love the idea of Anthony ending his historic career in blue and orange, and ultimately, seeing his No. 7 jersey raised to the rafters in MSG.
Carmelo signing with the Celtics would be the biggest singular disappointment of the offseason (and possibly the biggest in recent memory). Here’s hoping that the star’s final career chapter will be as far away from Boston green as possible!
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