The return of Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks is a power move that sets up for a good future idea for the Knicks, Phil Jackson and new coach Derek Fisher. Carmelo though is very realistic in knowing that the Knicks might not be a contender right now. Melo signed a five year max contract with the Knicks so there is some time to possibly develop on the future.
Carmelo recently spoke to Raul Alzaga of PrimeraHora.com.
“I do not expect to win a championship this year. That’s something that takes time and everything has to be in sync, from management to players. We have much work to do, but something that drives me. I know we can start creating the foundation of what we do. It’s the start of a good process, “said Anthony. “Next year we will have enough money to spend within the salary cap. But this year it is important to take the necessary steps towards those who will in the next year. I want to concentrate on building what we want from this year. “
So the proof is in the pudding. The Knicks have made some deals that aren’t going to put them in the drivers seat this year in the Eastern Conference. They have only 3 guaranteed contracts at this point with Melo, newly acquired Point Guard Jose Calderon and 37 year old Point Guard Pablo Prigioni. Cleanthony Early will be on a rookie contract and the big contracts of Amar’e Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and J.R. Smith come off the books after this season so the money will be plentiful.
All indications though are that the Knicks are far from done wheeling and dealing and are definitely in the right lane towards success and building around their franchise player, Carmelo Anthony.
