FanPost

How would a Carmelo Anthony-Kevin Durant pairing look?


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We know that the Knicks will still have plenty of cap space to go around during the 2016 free agency. We know that the Knicks want to win (or at least we hope they do). And we know that no matter what year it is, the New York Knicks LOVE stars. Could the Knicks potentially welcome Kevin Durant to the Mecca of Basketball?

Kevin Durant is expected to test his free agency, but is not expected to shop around looking for the right places to play. Many feel like he will not be lured to the bright lights, as general managers around the league are under the assumption that he will remain as the franchise piece in Oklahoma City. There are very few destinations for Durant if he chooses to leave, as his quiet demeanor is not one to be enticed by big promises and stardom, something he has attained and has been successful with since his beginning days as a Supersonic. However, with his days with the Thunder practically numbered, the few teams linked to Durant are Miami, Washington (his hometown), Los Angeles and of course, our very own New York Knicks.

Would Durant fit as a Knick alongside Carmelo Anthony? They both are dominating scorers, so would there be any breathing room for other players on the team to get their hands on the ball? Robin Lopez would definitely excel playing alongside the two, as he would become an improve passer, and could solely focus on his rebounding and defensive efforts. Durant and Melo do not play extraordinary defense, but together they could definitely be efficient on the offensive end. This may be viewed as mere fantasy to some, but it looks like the Knicks will at least make a strong effort to bring in Durant, and could show Carmelo they are serious about winning by doing so.

Refer to: Do the Knicks need Carmelo Anthony? (and vice versa)

There are many reasons for Durant to leave. He has played on a very good ball club that has yet to get the job done, plagued by injuries to both himself and his cohort, Russell Westbrook. Besides his MVP accolade and various all-star selections, it hasn't added up for Kevin Durant, a player who probably should have a championship. Pairing with Carmelo Anthony, who could potentially stretch to power forward in the event that Durant does join. The Knicks would ultimately become a better passing team and rebounding team, and if they are sold on continuing to play the triangle, Durant could effectively thrive shooting from the midrange and his already solid passing abilities.

We are all aware of the glitz and the glamour of landing Durant to New York, as he would instantly make the New York market bigger, if that was even anymore possible. Knicks fans would be pumped and the entire league would take notice. The question is would the two biggest stars in New York be able to thrive and mesh with cohesion? That answer may be simple, yes. Why you may ask? Derek Fisher.

Derek Fisher may be, for once, more important than Phil Jackson. Durant respects and loved Derek Fisher for his clutch shot making during his MVP season. There are probably few players in the league who Durant admires and tries to learn from more than Derek himself. Carmelo, who will be used to Derek's coaching schemes by the free agency of 2016, will be able to instantly relate to the play of KD. Perhaps, they don't even need to, as they have already played on the USA Men's Basketball team that won gold. Simply put, Derek Fisher will be the bridge connecting both Durant and Melo, and could be extremely relevant in prying Durant from OKC to NYC. There was also a report, sometime last year of Durant trying to sell Derek Fisher to Carmelo? Yup. That's true.

Needless to say, Carmelo and KD may launch a new and improved campaign in New York, one that would make the Garden's most popular team a contender for a championship. The team would without a doubt would bring the necessary credibility and respect, something that has been lost with this past 17-65 ridiculed season.

But that is only if Durant lets it happen.

And as always, your comments, questions, and suggestions are always welcome!