NBA Panic Meter: 10 Teams To Monitor

Nov 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) goes past Charlotte Hornets forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) to the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Lakers won 107-92. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 8, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after being called for a foul against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 103-96. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Knicks (2-5)

A 24-point blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls on opening night was all but forgotten when Carmelo Anthony and company spoiled LeBron’s homecoming party in Cleveland. Unfortunately for the Knicks, the team we saw on opening night is far closer to who they really are than the happy surprise team that was clicking under Derek Fisher. Melo’s scoring and rebounding numbers are career lows and simply put, the Triangle isn’t helping this team score.

Panic Meter: 5 (Or, 124 million. Take your pick.)

I’ve been a staunch Melo apologist for his entire career and defended him when the Knicks missed the playoffs last season — the first time Melo’s ever missed the playoffs in his career. But when you turn down a chance to play on a contender like the Chicago Bulls to stay in New York and sign a $124 million contract, shooting 38.2 percent on the season is unacceptable. He needs help in New York, but it could be another season of disappointment in the Big Apple.

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