Daily Knicks
Fansided

Carmelo Anthony tweet has Knicks fans already dreaming of return

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Former New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony stands near the court before game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 02: Former New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony stands near the court before game two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden on May 02, 2023 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

It’s only been a little over two weeks since New York Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony announced his retirement, and fans are already dreaming about what it’d be like to see him play again. The 39-year-old was a free agent for the entirety of the 2022-23 season after spending the 2021-22 season in Los Angeles with LeBron James.

Melo had been linked to teams like the Nets and the Suns in part thanks to Kevin Durant, who said after being traded to Phoenix that Anthony deserved to be in the NBA. Nothing ever came of the rumors, though, and Melo ultimately chose to step away from the game.

Now, the discussion has shifted to whether or not the Knicks (and the Nuggets) should retire Anthony’s jersey. He has a great case to have his No. 7 and No. 15 jerseys retired by both franchises, although Denver would have to wait until Nikola Jokić retires as he wears No. 15 too. The Nuggets getting a pick swap in the Melo trade with the Knicks that turned into Jamal Murray should be enough for them to retire his jersey.

As much as the majority of New York fans would’ve loved to see Melo suit up in the orange and blue one last time at MSG, the next best thing is getting to see him support the Knicks courtside. However, that hasn’t stopped fans from dreaming about a return.

Carmelo Anthony tweet sparks New York Knicks fans to push for return

Carmelo Anthony has had enough time to accept his retirement. He was worthy of being on a roster this past season, but because he wasn’t, his decision to step away from the game after 19 years didn’t come as a shock.

Basketball is always going to be part of who he is. The above tweet seems to be nothing more than Melo appreciating the game, but some Knicks fans have suspected that it could mean something more. The replies consist of people calling for the forward to sign a one-day contract to retire a Knick, or better yet, to come out of retirement completely to spend another season in New York.

As much as Knicks fans understandably love Melo, the reality is that he went unsigned for an entire season.

Anthony’s at peace with his retirement, and it frees up more time for him to watch his 16-year-old son’s basketball journey unfold. The list of schools that have already offered Kiyan Anthony includes Syracuse, Providence, and Memphis. He could follow in his father’s footsteps and represent the Orange.

In the future, Knicks fans can look forward to more Melo appearances at the Garden. Seeing him pulling for New York at MSG in the playoffs this past year was heartwarming. It’ll be even better to hopefully watch his No. 7 jersey be lifted into the rafters one day.

Home/Knicks News