In 2016-17, Carmelo Anthony was an all-star for the New York Knicks when he averaged 22.4 points per game on 43% shooting. However, he failed to lead the Knicks to a winning record for the fourth straight time in his seven-year tenure with New York. Seven years, three playoff appearances, and one trip to the second round was enough for Anthony and the Knicks to part ways.
New Era
The Knicks acquired center Enes Kanter and wing Doug McDermott in a relieving, yet upsetting, trade. The perennial all-star was finally gone, so the Knicks could officially begin rebuilding. However, Knicks fans grieved because Anthony was the main reason New York reached the playoffs. He broke the Knicks’ six-year playoff drought in his first season with the team.
Anthony’s career took a turn for the worst after being traded to Oklahoma City. He averaged a career-low in points per game (16.2) and in field goal percentage (40.4%). Anthony did, however, return to the playoffs for the first time since 2013– but lost to the Utah Jazz in six games. He averaged a horrendous 11.8 points on 37.5 percent shooting from the floor and 21.4 percent from deep.
Anthony was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the offseason but was immediately released. The Rockets swooped in and signed him on a veteran’s minimum contract. He played 10 games, got traded to the Bulls, and was immediately released. Now, the 10-time all-star is seeking a job in the NBA. The Lakers are currently the favorites to sign the former scoring champ, but there are no strong links to any team just yet.
Garden Reunion?
Recently, though, Anthony made an appearance at Madison Square Garden to watch Dwyane Wade take on the Knicks. The New York crowd welcomed Anthony back with a standing ovation, so it was made apparent to me that the Knicks should pursue an Anthony reunion.
It may sound bizarre at first– but think about it. Anthony is at the tail end of his career, so he would be offered another veteran’s minimum contract. Also, the fanbase and Anthony have a mutual love connection. A reunion would liven up the crowd, city and locker room that has had issues lately with disgruntled Kanter.
Anthony spent his most memorable years in New York, so it would be fitting for him to finish his career in the Big Apple. It would sadden many NBA fans, especially Knicks fans, to see Anthony walk away from basketball or take his talents to China.
The Knicks’ organization doesn’t do much right, but this is something they can’t mess up. Sign Anthony for one year, that’s all I’m asking. What is there to lose?
