As the Knicks slide further out of the playoff race, speculation is growing that Carmelo Anthony may start looking elsewhere, writes Ian Begley of ESPN.com. Anthony met recently with team president Phil Jackson to discuss where the franchise is headed. The 31-year-old combo forward declined to offer many details of the get-together, but with the 28-41 Knicks about to miss the postseason for the third straight year, it’s clear that Anthony wants to see major changes this summer. “It’s in their court. The ball is in their court,” Anthony said of New York’s front office. “They have an opportunity, we have an opportunity to do something this offseason. We gotta do something. It’s there.” Begley says many in the organization are concerned that Anthony will consider waiving his no-trade clause if the team fails to make a splash in free agency.
There’s more tonight out of New York:
- Kristaps Porzingis needs to overcome the “rookie wall” and finish the season strong to boost the Knicks‘ case in free agency, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. Berman believes New York’s pitch to free agents is going to focus on the chance to play with Anthony and the 7’3″ Porzingis, who was an early-season front-runner for Rookie of the Year. However, the Latvian big man has regressed noticeably as the season has worn on. He posted 18 double-doubles before Kurt Rambis replaced Derek Fisher as head coach in February, but he hasn’t had any since. “I don’t want to finish the season with regret and then have five months of offseason work,” Porzingis said. “I want to give my all. When the offseason starts, I’ll put in more work and prepare myself for next season.’’
- The Nets have only seen brief flashes of Chris McCullough‘s talent because of a minutes restriction, but so far they’re encouraged, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. The Syracuse freshman was considered a possible lottery pick last year before tearing his right ACL. The Nets scooped him up at No. 29, knowing he would need to time to heal. “In the short amount of time he’s been playing, I think he’s had more success on the defensive end of the floor,” said interim Nets coach Tony Brown. “And offensively it’s just time. He needs to get experience.’’
- Nets assistant coach Joe Wolf is “keenly interested” in becoming the head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, tweets Gery Woelfel of The Journal Times.
If Carmelo wants to go, there are plenty of New Yorkers who will help him pack. Including yours truly.
As a New Yorker, it will never cease to amaze me at how quickly “fans” move on from certain players. It was only a couple of years ago that Carmelo was the Knicks savior who was going to lead them to sustained success in the playoffs and possibly even a ring. Now it seems like everyone can’t wait for him to leave…and you wonder why some players don’t want to sign with New York based teams.
Not that we are moving on Melo is a great player but in order to fix the Knicks they need to get younger draft picks are the only way to do that. It isn’t Melos fault that the Knicks have been so poorly run and he is getting older with knee troubles already trading him is a blessing for him let him go to a contender.
Amen.
Melo is a great basketball player.. But He’s becoming a little bit “toxic” on his latest comments. Especially, the one he did about Phil Jackson coaching home games only. ” i don’t accept ” quoted saying. Come on man, you are the label of the team…anyways I think the Knicks are better off without Carmelo. Trade him for picks please Phil
Moving Melo is best for both parties. The Knicks are so far away from contending, it would be a waste of Melo’s talents to keep him. Even if the Knicks were to get Mike Conley in FA this summer, they will not be contenders next year. Both LA teams and Cleveland would be ideal spots for Melo. Clippers and Cleveland would likely require a 3-team deal.