Let’s check in on Carmelo Anthony’s feelings about being a member of the New York Knicks.
Carmelo: "I see the writing on the wall, the writing…yeah, I see it on the wall. You don't know what writing is on the wall, though."
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) April 3, 2017
Oh great, the Knicks finally corrupted Melo’s data. He’s now incapable of answering the same questions about his murky status in New York that he’s been getting asked for three years running. Honestly, it’s hard to blame him.
When Carmelo re-signed with the Knicks back in 2014 after receiving a five-year, $120 million max deal, it just stunk of dissatisfaction. It was obvious Melo stayed due to New York’s ability to offer the most money. After all, the team was fresh off a lost season, which also included stints from Andrea Bargnani and Lamar Odom. Hope was minimal.
Under Phil Jackson, New York appeared primed to return to contention. However, complacent management, questionable roster decisions (Sasha Vujacic is still in the NBA), and the insanity of the triangle neutered the Knicks playoff aspirations. Along the way, Melo’s desire disappeared as well.
The 2013 scoring champ has been absorbed into the losing culture of the team. Everything about the Knicks outside of Kristaps Porzingis remains uncertain, Jim Dolan is still a pain, and coaches come and go like they were a new series of Fargo (but bad) with a different cast each year. The only holdover is Anthony.
With walls crumbling around him, Melo lost an edge. Being the guy in New York is something he took very seriously. But Porzingis is clearly the heir apparent to the throne. Anthony didn’t allow Porzingis to take over, instead opting to take as many shots each game as he could to prove that he was still great. It was a sad decline for a player once put in the same group as Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and LeBron James.
The Knicks attempted to Wild Hogs the team, bringing in a group of former stars, headlined by Derrick Rose, in an attempt to gain some form of consistency. Instead, the Knicks never found cohesion and are likely going to lose 50 games for the third straight season. Unfairly, the blame often lands on Anthony.
Even former Jackson disciple Scottie Pippen feels bad for Melo.
Interesting comments by former Bulls legend Scottie Pippen on Phil Jackson and the Knicks. pic.twitter.com/Uc694lXlLQ
— New Era Knicks (@NewEraKnicks) March 30, 2017
Now 32, Melo needs to start chasing a ring. Wasting his entire career losing must hurt, especially when he’s consistently putting up Hall of Fame numbers. He’s not winning in New York now, and he never will. He’s clearly not the answer to the Knicks’ seemingly never-ending quest for relevancy.
Perplexed by the last decade half of change, it’s time for New York and Melo to part ways. Hell, it’s *beyond* time. Melo remained loyal to an organization which deserves none. With a rebuild pending, Melo has no reason to stick around. He’s got his money.
With two seasons and $53 million left on his deal, the Knicks won’t have a lot of takers. But if Anthony waives his no-trade clause, he should be able to latch onto a semi-respectable, somewhat competently run organization. It will do wonders for his confidence and legacy.
New York turned Melo’s potentially all-time great career into one that is depressed and fed up. The answer is obvious: MOVE ON. Everyone will be better off for it.
