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Obi Toppin’s injury reportedly doesn’t mean Knicks will sign former star

ByJordanna Clark|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 07: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw after a technical foul in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on November 7, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 07: Obi Toppin #1 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw after a technical foul in the second quarter of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on November 7, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks will be without Obi Toppin for a few weeks after he injured his knee against the Hawks on Wednesday. In New York’s first game without Toppin on Friday, Jericho Sims cracked the rotation, but Cam Reddish picked up another DNP.

Tom Thibodeau’s nine-man rotation has resulted in three straight wins for the Knicks and that includes big wins over the Cavaliers and Hawks. Fans thought that Toppin’s injury would allow for Reddish to re-enter the rotation, but it doesn’t seem as if that will be happening. It was reported last week by Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News that Reddish’s representatives were working with the Knicks on a trade.

So, because of that, some started to speculate about New York signing Carmelo Anthony to back up Julius Randle at the four. The 38-year-old last played with the Lakers and is still waiting to be signed as a free agent. However, according to Newsday’s Steve Popper, “the indications are that Anthony would not fit the style the Knicks are trying to play – namely defense.”

Knicks reportedly aren’t interested in signing Carmelo Anthony after Obi Toppin’s injury

Carmelo Anthony was linked to the Knicks during the offseason as well as the Nets, but nearly 30 games into the 2022-23 season, the 10-time All-Star is without a team. Melo could help a contending team off the bench as a shooter, but defense has always been a weakness for him.

New York’s defense has been a concern this year, but as of late, it has improved. The Knicks held the Cavaliers and Hawks to under 90 points and are currently 14th in the league with a defensive rating of 112. Melo wouldn’t be much of a help — if any — on the defensive end.

Hopefully, Toppin will be able to return shortly after he’s re-evaluated, but in the meantime, it doesn’t look as if New York will be reuniting with Anthony. He’s still in search of his first ring and that isn’t a goal that he’ll be able to fulfill with the Knicks this season.

Per Marc Stein (subscription required), Melo is “determined” to find his next opportunity in the NBA. Let’s see what happens with the former Knick over the next couple of months.

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