NBA: Player Rankings – Week 9
13. Carmelo Anthony (SF, New York Knicks)
Dec 23, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
A moment of silence must be taken for the passing of the New York Knicks’ season. OK, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about the play of the not-so-great Carmelo Anthony. With every game Carmelo Anthony continues to hurt them as an organization and it shows with the team’s embarrassing 9-21 record. Whether or not Melo needs to go, though, is not a topic for this forum. No. Despite the Knicks’ terrible season, Melo has been performing as well as ever while averaging 26.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Melo has taken it upon himself to improve his rebounding ability, finishing in the top in rebounding for his position by over a full rebound per game. His field goal percentage, though, continues to spiral downwards as he refuses to take shots with consistent difficulty and his assists total … continues to be abysmal. The criticism that always surrounds Anthony will be the inability to make those around him better. Although a prolific scorer, possibly the best in the league, Melo certainly has a me-first attitude since day one. Will Melo be traded before the deadline? Will he go somewhere else in the offseason? We’ll just have to wait and see.