The Knicks’ disappointing season has finally come to an end. Yes, technically they did improve since last season. Regardless, expectations were not met, and the Knicks missed the Playoffs for the fourth straight year and ultimately finished with a 32-50 record.
With his eyes firmly set on free agency, Carmelo Anthony insists he must be part of any free agent meetings that take place this summer. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Anthony, the team’s lone All-Star this season, did not partake in the Knicks’ meetings and decisions last summer:
Anthony was excluded from those free-agent meetings last summer, and he doesn’t want that to happen again after what only could be described as a modest haul by president Phil Jackson that led to a 32-50 season.
“I want to,” Anthony said. “They know that. Sometimes they can put you to the side and be front-office execs and let you be the player. I want to be a part of that. If I’m going to be a part of this organization and the future of this organization, I want to be part of the decision-making.’’
Carmelo Anthony is noticeably interested in free agency this time around, and rightfully so. Any top free agents the Knicks decide to pursue, Anthony deserves to have a say in that decision. Any meetings the Knicks host this summer must include your top player, your main weapon that dramatically increases your chances at ultimately recruiting that player to your side. Last summer, the Lakers brought Kobe Bryant into meetings with LaMarcus Aldridge. The same can be said about the Suns, who brought in newly signed Tyson Chandler. The winning suitor, San Antonio Spurs, brought multiple players into their meeting with Aldridge. Perhaps the Knicks can take something away from this.
As for Anthony, he has every reason to be locked into recruitment mode. Free agency tends to be something he keeps a close eye on, as he reiterated:
“Free agency is always going to be big for everybody,” Anthony said in the visitor’s locker room before the Knicks’ season-ending 102-90 loss to the Pacers. “I looked at the list. I look at the list every day. Whether it’s for me or other teams, I want to see what other guys are thinking about as far as trying to better their team. Where we fit in the free-agency market, those are things I pay close attention to.”
After failing to land several targets last summer – from Aldridge to Jordan, Monroe and more – the Knicks seem motivated for a second chance. Carmelo Anthony is unwilling to accept “no” for an answer, an answer Phil Jackson simply cannot live by and risk losing Anthony as a result.
The Knicks must include Carmelo Anthony, their top player and recruiter, in their free agent process this summer.
