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Now that the dismal march of death we called "Knicks basketball, 2014-15" is officially over, everyone involved can set their sights on the draft and free agency. Carmelo Anthony (and, it seems, just Carmelo Anthony) spoke with reporters this morning about a bunch of different things. Here are a few highlights, along with my VERY IMPORTANT observations.
Melo on his injury:
Melo says he's "ahead of schedule'', will be on the court June 1st doing all basketball drills and running but won't scrimmage until later.
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) April 16, 2015
Melo believes he "will be fully recovered, injury free" by training camp.
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 16, 2015
That seems like good news! I think we all wish Melo had gotten the surgery earlier than he ultimately did, but as long as he's fully healthy by training camp, I won't complain.
Melo on Phil Jackson:
Melo: Phil was one of the reasons I came back as a free agent. So this summer will be Phil's chance to finally put his stamp on the club
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) April 16, 2015
Carmelo says this summer is Phil Jackson's time to "step up to the plate." #Knicks have $25 million in cap space.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 16, 2015
Melo on this shitty-ass team (shitty ass-team?):
Carmelo says he has faith in the triangle offense. Says it can work if #Knicks add talent to the roster. May read as a slight but it wasn't
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 16, 2015
Melo endorsed triangle, but said: "I think people kind of overreact to the word triangle and I even get tired of hearing the word triangle."
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 16, 2015
Carmelo says he understood why fans were upset about the #Knicks winning 2 of their final 3 games but said players can't be expected to lose
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 16, 2015
Those all seem like measured quotes and I completely get where you're coming from, Melo. I'm glad you haven't said anything too outrageous.
Carmelo said earlier this season he had thoughts of regret about re-signing and if he had made the right decision. Said he was "cloudy.''
— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) April 16, 2015
Oh, never mind! You did say something kind of outrageous! Look, Melo, I don't blame you for feeling that way. The team sucked real bad; probably much worse than anyone expected. But, like, when you say stuff like this, you're begging certain writers (*cough* Isola *cough*) to write inflammatory articles.
We've talked at length here about how Melo is perceived by fans and the media. Personally, I think that perception is mostly unfair and crappy, but Melo certainly doesn't help when he's so weirdly honest. I guarantee pretty much everyone figured he had second-guessed the decision to re-sign at some point, but there's no need to fuel the fire by saying it. Anyway, moving on.
Melo on the draft:
Melo was asked abt who he likes in the draft class. Said he wasn't even sure if he was allowed to discuss that. But thinks class is talented
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) April 16, 2015
Melo, on type of player they should draft: Its gotta be some1 who can help "right now." But adds that very few rookies have immediate impact
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) April 16, 2015
Sadly, that doesn't necessarily sound like Karl-Anthony Towns. He did admit that few rookies have an immediate impact, though, which is definitely true. He also said he thinks rookie PGs have the toughest time adjusting, for what it's worth.
Melo says team should explore all possibilities with its top pick, just to do due diligence. But says it's nice to have both cap and a pick.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) April 16, 2015
Yup. I would absolutely trade the pick if a team were to overwhelm the Knicks with an offer, but I doubt that will happen.
Melo on free agency:
Melo says "I'm in" if front office asks him to speak w prospective free agents this summer.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) April 16, 2015
Melo wants Phil to get "Players. Good players."
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 16, 2015
Good players are overrated.
Carmelo says he'd have no issue with being the second option if #Knicks can bring in another star player in the coming seasons.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 16, 2015
Well, that's good to hear. I can't wait to see the articles that say "Melo would only be a second option if an established STAR joins the team! He's selfish and ruins everything! He probably kills puppies!" (Note: I won't actually read those articles.)
So, that's pretty much the gist of it! Melo said some cool things, some things that mean nothing, and one pretty dumb thing. Such is life. Draft lottery's only about a month away. Get excited, buddies.