Carmelo doesn't understand why he hasn't been as successful as LeBron
New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has yet to experience the consistent team-oriented success someone with his talent probably should. And the window to find it is rapidly closing.
While Anthony's individual numbers aren't crummy, the Knicks are a sad 25-37 with an offense and defense that both rank in the bottom third of the NBA. And Melo's turning 32 in May.
It's enough to get the nine-time NBA All-Star reflecting on his career, and comparing it to other stars of his generation:
This is sad. Five years ago, Anthony forced his way to the Knicks in a blockbuster trade that gutted a rising organization of its youthful core. Then in 2014, he signed a five-year contract worth $124 million — $5 million below the maximum amount to allow the Knicks an extra bit of wiggle room last summer to sign a notable free agent.
But instead of grabbing a max-level player like LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love, New York landed Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams. Who are fine players, but hardly enough to lift New York into the postseason.
But what's done is done. Anthony is still under contract for another three seasons (he holds a $27.9 million player option in 2019). And outside of rookie phenom Kristaps Porzingis developing at an astonishing rate, short-term growth is unlikely in New York.
If he wants to win, it probably won't happen in the Big Apple. Instead, the declining Anthony should waive his no-trade clause and do his best to land in a situation that's mutually beneficial.
