Why the Knicks Can’t Wait on Carmelo Anthony
February 17, 2011It’s easy to become complacent. This is especially true when you haven’t experienced anything remotely positive in a decade, much like the New York Knicks.
So, of course after their prolonged stretch of ineptitude, it’s understandable why Knicks fans and management would be hesitant to break up a team that has a winning record into the All-Star break. And, to bring in Carmelo Anthony, breaking up this team is exactly what they would have to do. The Denver Nuggets demands for their star player are rightfully high.
In order for the Knicks to acquire Anthony via trade, they would have to part with a package of Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari, Landry Fields or potentially all three. So here’s the question the Knicks front office has no doubt been wrestling with: is Carmelo Anthony worth it?
In a word: yes.
For as good as the Knicks have played this season, they are nowhere near competing for a title. While a playoff appearance seems like a good bet, they’ll have to get by the likes of Chicago, Orlando, Boston and Miami to come out of the East. Not just this year, but every year. Other than Boston, all of those teams windows extend far beyond 2011. They are all anchored by young superstars who don’t appear to be going anywhere.
The Knicks have all the pieces in place to be a perennial playoff team for a long time. However, the chances of this team as it is presently put together accomplishing anything but a few playoff appearances are minimal. A few years ago, the Atlanta Hawks were in a similar position the Knicks are in now. After years as of being a laughingstock and a doormat, the Hawks were able to turn themselves into a solid playoff team. Solid was all they became though. After three years of early playoff exits, the Hawks opted to keep the team together and re-signed Joe Johnson to a max contract over the summer. They locked themselves into mediocrity.
The Knicks shouldn’t follow their lead. Just because you used to be homeless doesn’t mean working at McDonald’s is a good job.
I know what you’re thinking Knicks fans: “Why can’t we just wait until this off-season and sign him? He clearly wants to play here.” Ah, if it were only that simple. With Eddy Curry’s contract coming off the books, the Knicks will be approximately $18 million under the cap. Unfortunately that figure doesn’t account for Wilson Chandler being an unrestricted free agent. For the Knicks to put a hold on Chandler’s rights would cost them more than $6 million, leaving $12 million left for Anthony. That’s a pay cut I’d imagine he’s not willing to take. Especially when a 3-year, $65 million contract from the Nuggets is on the table, which he can bring with him if he accepts a trade. Whether it’s through trade or free agency, it’s unlikely the Knicks will be able to have both Anthony and Chandler.
The Knicks need pull out all the stops in their pursuit of Anthony. Superstars win titles. And if you’re not playing for a title then what are you playing for?
