Carmelo Anthony And Phil Jackson: A Marriage Made In La La Land

Growing in the Garden

The first few years of the Carmelo Experiment were a bit tumultuous. Following the trade that brought him to NYC, the Knicks made it into the 2011 playoffs. Yet, the eventual result was an embarrassing sweep at the hands of the Celtics.

The next season, hope abounded and the world was ready to see Carmelo succeed.

Linsanity

A groin injury forced Carmelo out for a seven-game stretch that would incite a global phenomena known as “Linsanity.” Jeremy Lin, an Ivy League-educated Knicks bench-warmer, burst onto the NBA scene and took over the league in Anthony’s absence.

Upon Carmelo’s return, he was less than excited about Jeremy Lin and his basketball skills. The 2012 version of Carmelo Anthony made it very clear he wanted no part of Lin on his team. In the years since, Anthony has handled himself and adversity in a much more gracious manner.

MVP?

With Lin gone, the Knicks battled into the semifinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs on the back of Carmelo Anthony.

Although the Knicks couldn’t make it to the conference finals, there was again great hope in the Big Apple.

The 2013 playoff run became the highlight of the Carmelo reign in New York. Over the years, Anthony’s perceived selfishness on the court created a less than desirable image of him in the public eye.

Yet, his handling of the disrespect shown to him by Phil Jackson reveals a man who deserves to be respected.