Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony, who has been through four coaches and three general managers since being acquired from Denver five years ago, admits that he is growing frustrated with the franchise’s continued struggles, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com writes. “It’s been tough. It’s challenging,” Anthony said. “It’s challenging to kind of stay strong and positive through all this. You can’t control that. When you look at it, how many different coaches? Four different coaches. [A lot of] different players. I mean, that’s a lot to go through.” Several teams reportedly believe that if New York doesn’t make much progress in their rebuilding by the middle of July, Anthony would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for a better chance at competing for an NBA title with another franchise.
Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:
- Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis isn’t upset with Anthony publicly voicing his displeasure, believing that the veteran has the proper attitude regarding the team’s losing ways, Barbara Barker of Newsday writes. “I want the players to be angry. I want the players to be frustrated,” Rambis said. “That’s the right attitude to have. If guys aren’t playing, they should be frustrated that they are not playing. We’re not winning right now, so they have to be believing in their hearts and minds that [they] could be doing a better job out there on the court. Those are the kind of players you want on your team. You don’t want guys that just roll over and accept this losing.”
- Anderson Varejao signing with the Warriors sets up a potential NBA Finals matchup against the Cavaliers, something his former teammates don’t hold against him, Chris Haynes of The Northeast Ohio Media Group writes. “It’s a business,” Tristan Thompson said regarding Varejao. “He wants to keep playing ball, so whatever is the best fit for him and whatever he’s looking for, you have to be happy for him. Andy was more than just a teammate; he was a friend, a big brother, and so wherever he can go to keep playing, I’m happy for him, even with him being with the Warriors.“
- The Heat are not among the teams reportedly thinking about signing former NBA player Michael Beasley, whose season in the Chinese Basketball Association recently ended, Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel relays (Twitter link). Beasley has spent four of his seven NBA seasons as a member of the Heat, including 24 appearances for the franchise last season.
Maybe they think Bosh will eventually be back. I’m surprised, if they aren’t interested in Beasley. He can give them depth at the 4/5 spots (as well as a little of the 3), at the least, which is useful considering McRoberts and his knee. Also, when he was with the Heat at the end of last year, he was a totally different person and player. They ran sets for him that they usually run for Bosh. He gave them great minutes at the 5 too. Defensively, he competed more than I had ever seen from him, and his decision making, and passing were also clearly greatly improved. He didn’t knock down outside shots the way he is capable of, but I don’t consider that something that will continue. He said all the right things too. The Heat need shooting. They would prefer a primary wing player, but that doesn’t mean they can’t give 1 of the 2 roster spots to Beasley. That being said, the luxury tax is a deterrent until after March 6…Regardless, I hope to see Beasley get a shot with someone. I think he has earned it
Yea I think the heat should at least think about signing beasly epically sense he had a monster year in chins