Carmelo Anthony has donned five different jerseys over the course of his NBA career, but there’s really only one we’ll remember him in when it’s all said and done.
In his seven seasons with the Knicks, it was like a match made in heaven, even if there’s little to show for it. In that time, he made seven All-Star appearances, averaged 24.7 points per game, and won one scoring title. He was the face, the heart, and the soul of that franchise up until he left in 2017.
And, the rumor is, he wants to go back before his career comes to a close.
Former Knicks president Steve Mills wanted no part of Anthony after Anthony forced a trade and didn’t open up his wish list. (Anthony had a no-trade clause). It still worked out. The Knicks netted what turned into second-year center Mitchell Robinson, selected with Oklahoma City’s second-round pick in 2018. There is strong belief the Brooklyn-born Anthony would want to finish his career as a Knick and play for Thibodeau, whom he has publicly praised.
According to @NYPost_Berman, there is a “strong belief” that Carmelo Anthony wants to finish his career as a member of the New York Knicks.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 27, 2020
Since his return to the NBA earlier in the 2019-20 season, Melo has been a valuable addition to the Trail Blazers. After months of maintaining his productive play, it’s fair to say he’s rebuilt his reputation and value as a star.
In New York, with a new regime taking over, there’s no reason to believe they wouldn’t consider having Anthony around for one last ride. He seems rejuvenated, humbled, and ready to be welcomed home by New Yorkers.
Either way, it’s good to see Melo go out on his own terms after such troublesome stints in OKC and Houston. Hopefully, in the next few years, he’ll be able to close off his storied career the way it should be.
