NBA Player Power Rankings: Stars Getting Hot at Perfect Time

6 of 22

Mar 19, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) on the court against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Small Forward

Age: 31

Slash Line: .434/.338/.821

Season Averages: 35.5 MPG, 21.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.4 3PM

Carmelo Anthony leads the New York Knicks in points, rebounds, and assists per game. He’s also No. 1 on the roster in 3-point field goals made per game, free throws made, and free throw attempts.

Yet, in the midst of this 29-43 season, Knicks fans have found a way to blame Anthony for the team not being better than it is.

Anthony is doing everything he can to make New York a winner, and that’s no more evident than the decline in his scoring average. He’s been inefficient, at times, which can be chalked up to his getting the strength back in his surgically repaired knee.

The reality is, Anthony isn’t just scoring less because of his field goal percentage; he’s becoming a more well-rounded player to better fit the long-term vision that Phil Jackson has for the Triangle Offense.

The highlight of Anthony’s week was recording 24 points and five assists in a 115-107 road victory over the Chicago Bulls. He shot 10-of-22 from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range in a game that further established New York’s future as promising.

The victory was New York’s first win at Chicago since November 4, 2010.

Next: Catching Fire