Hoops Habit
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NBA Player Power Rankings: Draymond Green Surging

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) looks on in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (left) reacts as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (right) looks on in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a free throw against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .431/.327/.833

Season Averages: 34.6 MPG, 21.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.5 ORPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.4 3PM

The numbers aren’t where New York Knicks fans want them to be, but Carmelo Anthony is having one of the best seasons of his decorated NBA career. He’s playing the best defense of his life, has been selfless as a teammate, and is setting a positive example as a leader.

In almost every phase of the game, Anthony has positively influenced a resurgent Knicks team that’s already matched its win total from the previous season.

Anthony has been instrumental in the Knicks’ improvement from one season to the next. He’s playing elite defense—seriously, he is—and is beginning to find his rhythm as a fourth quarter scorer.

Against the Miami Heat, Anthony closed out a strong week by posting 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting and making a number of key plays late in the second half.

Anthony opened the week with 20 points in a loss to the Chicago Bulls, and had 23 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and a steal in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. He only scored 11 points in another clash with Atlanta, but added nine boards, five assists and three steals in a key win.

Anthony isn’t playing like himself, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Next: Shaking the Rust