There was more to it when Carmelo Anthony decided to end his career in the NBA. In a recent episode of his podcast, he revealed that he considered returning to the New York Knicks, a team he spent six years with, in 2022 before his retirement. He said he had conversations with the team but ultimately decided against it due to uncertainty about his role.
Carmelo Anthony didn’t want to be the guy to just warm the bench, he preferred to contribute meaningfully to the team he gave a better part of his career to. However, he noticed a hint of hesitation from their management about offering him a concrete role, which might have been included by fans’ perception if he were to be given limited minutes.
You just knew that they were going in a different direction, cool. So at that point, I'm like ... my plan is playing out the way that I wrote it out. To come back to New York, finish it out in New York, have my year. Play. If it's a good team, I still can play ball, still can help the team out.Carmelo Anthony said on 7PM in Brooklyn
Anthony had the money already and it was not the issue, but rather the fit and potential impact on his legacy. Thus, he chose to retire on his own terms rather than risk a diminished role that could have possibly tarnished his career.
Furthermore, his journey saw him get on the books of six teams, with the last team being the Los Angeles Lakers. He ended his career when he announced his retirement in May 2023 having had a storied 19-year NBA career, making 10 All-Star teams, winning a scoring title, and scoring 28,289 points.
Carmelo Anthony sees New York Knicks as Eastern Conference title contenders
Even though he wasn’t given the chance to play one last time with the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony shared his thoughts on their championship prospects in an interview on Rachel Nichols’ web series “Open Run.” He analyzed the team’s roster, which includes All-Stars Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, as well as newcomers OG Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges.
10 years ago today, Carmelo Anthony dropped an insane, New York Knicks franchise record 62 PTS on 23/35 FG in a WIN at Madison Square Garden 🎯
📊 62 PTS, 13 REB, 0 AST, 23/35 FGM, 6/11 3PM, 10/10 FTM, WIN
Iman Shumpert: “We didn’t know what to do but get popcorn and watch.” 🍿 pic.twitter.com/qMxuobZvYZ
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 24, 2024However, he stopped short of guaranteeing a championship but believes they are among the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the defending champion Boston Celtics. He went ahead to cite the team’s playoff success last season, which saw a first-round win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
I do believe that they've situated themselves to be right there with Boston and (the) Philadelphia (76ers). What we do with that is totally different, because you still have to go through Boston. But I think everybody else got better and the Knicks got better. That's what's important.Carmelo Anthony said on the web series Open Run
Last season is in the past now as the Knicks will face stiff competition in the Atlantic Division, particularly from the 76ers, which has added Paul George and re-signed Tyrese Maxey. Anthony’s former team will have an early opportunity to prove themselves against the Celtics on October 22.
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