NBA Player Power Rankings: Who's Hot, Who's Not?

NBA Player Power Rankings: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after shooting a three-point shot during the fourth quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives against Milwaukee Bucks small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks defeated the Bucks 100-88. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .437/.338/.831

Season Averages: 34.3 MPG, 21.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Verdict: Hot

After winning 17 games in 2014-15, Carmelo Anthony has the New York Knicks off to a 20-21 start through 41 games. He’s pacing the Knicks through games with his scoring, has selflessly embraced the role of a facilitator, and is playing elite on-ball defense—no, seriously.

This past week accurately illustrated Anthony’s value and importance.

Anthony posted 20 points and 12 rebounds in a 100-99 road loss to a San Antonio Spurs team that’s undefeated at home. He then had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in a 100-88 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, and scored 17 points in 18 minutes of a 120-114 victory against the Boston Celtics.

In the one game Anthony missed due to an ankle injury, the Knicks lost 110-104 to the now 11-28 Brooklyn Nets.

Anthony has his critics, but he’s been playing some of the best basketball of his career. He’s the unquestioned leader both on and off the court, has led by example on both ends, and is selflessly trusting his teammates, which thus builds team chemistry.

Anthony commenced the process of redefining his reputation during the first half of the 2015-16 NBA regular season.

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