The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially hit a rough patch in their 2016-17 season. Cleveland has come up short in five of their previous seven contests and unrest has begun to surround the franchise.
While Cleveland struggles, for the time being, it’s important not to overreact as every team hits a skid and the Cavs undoubtedly remain the team to beat in the Eastern Conference thanks to the presence of LeBron James who still holds the throne as the NBA’s best all-around player in many people’s eyes.
Another team having their own fair share of issues and then some, is the New York Knicks. Phil Jackson’s squad has significantly underperformed thus far this season and rumors about the availability of multiple players including superstar Carmelo Anthony continue to swirl.
Anthony recently spoke on what he would think about teaming up with his close friend, LeBron James in Cleveland. Following from Marc Berman of the New York Post:
James’ remarks Monday night raised speculation he was sending a message to Cavaliers management to get Anthony.
“You ask me a question if he thinks I’d want to play with him?’’ Anthony said. “Yes. I do think he’d want me to play with him. I don’t think he wouldn’t. But I don’t know if that comment was about me. I don’t think I’m the only playmaker in the NBA.’’
Asked by The Post if he wanted to play in Cleveland, Anthony said, “I don’t think about it – not something I think about right now. As far as playing with him, I don’t think about that. I can’t think about that. You know I’m not thinking about that.”
Carmelo and LeBron’s brotherhood goes back years. Their bond had already begun forming from even before they were drafted together in 2003.
Anthony’s comments come after James criticized his team’s effort and said they needed another playmaker following a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
A trade between the Knicks and the Cavs involving Melo would be hard to pull off, as you never know how another volume scorer like Anthony is going to fit, especially with an already talented roster. Not only would the fit be questionable, but teams also have to factor in Anthony’s hefty price tag and declining production as he ages.
Obviously, with LeBron not comfortable with how his team is performing, the Cavs may look to free agency or the trade market to add the playmaker James covets, maybe just as not as big of a name as Carmelo Anthony.
