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New York Knicks: Carmelo’s College Coach Offers Free Agency Advice

By Jared Jackson

Jan 13, 2014; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim on the sideline during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Syracuse Orange won 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2014; Chestnut Hill, MA, USA; Syracuse Orange head coach Jim Boeheim on the sideline during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Syracuse Orange won 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Legendary Syracuse University coach Jim Boeheim is no stranger to NBA talent. He has coached at Syracuse since 1969, first as an assistant and then as head coach, and in that time, he has coached a whopping 35 players who went on to play in the NBA. Boeheim has 942 career wins (and counting), all with the Orange. Out of the countless players he has coached, Carmelo Anthony could hold the most special place in Boeheim’s heart and understandably so. Anthony was the leader of the then-Orangemen during his lone year at the ‘Cuse, during which Melo led the team to its first and only national championship. So it comes as no surprise that his former coach still has his best interests at heart.

Boeheim wants Anthony to win. Not just win games and get an early exit out of the playoffs, but win it all. The Syracuse head coach, whose top-ranked team is 22-0, was on ESPN radio this week and feels that even though Anthony likes New York, he should consider his legacy before rejoining the Knicks after he becomes a free agent at the end of this season.

"“The problem in the NBA, you’re judged on winning championships,” Boeheim said. “He’s got to try to go and play where they can win a championship or else he’s going to be a failure. That’s the bottom line.”"

There has been speculation all season where Anthony will sign come this offseason. With New York, Anthony could ink a maximum five-year contract worth $129,135,806. If he signs with another team, the maximum he can earn is $95,897,372 over four years. The Knicks have grossly underachieved this season, posting a 20-30 record and hold the No. 10 spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks have not had a losing season since the 2009-10 campaign in which their three leading scorers were David Lee, Al Harrington and Wilson Chandler. At this point it seems that Melo’s time in the Big Apple could be coming to an end.

Boeheim, however, isn’t counting out New York; the Knicks just need to make some moves that make sense.

"“Everybody I’ve seen win an NBA championship had a great player playing with them,” Boeheim said. “I think Carmelo wants to play in New York. He wanted to come there. I think he likes playing in New York. I think he would stay in New York if he’s got a chance to win.”"

The Knicks will have their first opportunity to extend Anthony’s contract Feb. 22, so that will be his first chance to either reject them or hop back on the Dolan express.

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