Not everyone thinks Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony is a flight risk this summer.
Ask head coach Mike Woodson, and he’ll tell you ‘Melo isn’t going anywhere. Ever.
Appearing on his weekly spot on ESPN New York 98.7 FM, Woodson indicated that he believed Anthony’s future was in the Big Apple.
“In my heart, I don’t think [Anthony will sign with another team],” he said per ESPN New York’s Ian Begley. “I think Melo will retire a New York Knick. That’s just my personal belief.”
There’s a refreshing take. Doom and gloom have dominated the headlines in New York, where the Knicks have spent most of 2013-14 wandering somewhere between “Pathetic” and “Holy hell, are we actually this bad?”
Speculation has naturally run rampant regarding Anthony’s future. He will become an unrestricted free agent after this season, at which point he can sign with whatever team he pleases. Though he was once considered a lock to remain, many believe this season’s outcome will play a big part in his ultimate decision.
But the Knicks do have an array of things going for them, one of which is the lavish contract they can offer. ‘Melo can re-sign with the Knicks for a maximum of five years and roughly $129 million, one year and approximately $30 million more than he can receive anywhere else.
There’s also the fact that Anthony himself has indicated he would like to retire in New York, suggesting his loyalty continues to run deep.
So much has changed since ‘Melo expressed his desire to stay. The Knicks started out 9-21, drowning in drama. Although they’ve picked up their play of late, they’re still waffling back and forth between eighth, ninth and 10th place in the despicable Eastern Conference. If the losing continues, or the Knicks play their way to the ninth first-round playoff exit of Anthony’s career, even the most optimistic fans and pundits have to wonder whether he’ll seek refuge somewhere else.
Said Woodson:
Yeah, you’re concerned. But again, Melo is wearing a Knick uniform and I think Melo loves playing in New York. He’s been one of the bright spots this year because he hasn’t taken any games off. He’s been solid through all of our ups and downs this year. To me, that’s the sign of a true pro. Melo’s trying to do all of the right things. We are now starting to get back healthy and we are playing a little bit better.
To Woodson’s credit, he’s also doing and saying all the right things. Relax, I mean with ‘Melo, not necessarily his questionable rotations.
Through all the losing and conjecture and theatrics, one thing has been constant: J.R. Smith’s stupidity. Okay, so two things have been constant, the second being Woodson’s praise for Anthony. All year he’s been trumpeting his superstar’s effort, almost like he’s worshiping the ground ‘Melo’s walking on. And you cannot really blame him.
Anyone who argues New York shouldn’t offer a 30-year-old Anthony five years and close to $130 million—me being one of them—must understand he is the Knicks. Dangerous as re-signing him to a deal that expires when he’s 35 is, traversing life without him could be even worse, sending the Knicks back into an age where actual expectations go to die.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
