Carmelo Anthony’s NBA future is still up in the air. The former Knick took in a game at the garden with Dwyane Wade in town.
Prior to Sunday night’s game against the Miami Heat, Ian Begley of ESPN tweeted out the following:
A graphic on the MSG Jumbotron before tonight’s game had Carmelo Anthony’s name and bio on it. Seems like Carmelo may be getting the “Once A Knick,
Always A Knick” treatment at MSG during Knicks-Heat.— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 27, 2019
Carmelo Anthony, probably in the midst of one of the most uncertain times during his NBA career, attended a Knicks game to show support as one of his dear friends, Dwyane Wade, continued to make the rounds on his farewell tour.
Anthony, accompanied by his son, Kiyan, received a warm welcome from the Garden faithful.
Here’s the reception Carmelo Anthony received at Madison Square Garden when he was shown on the Jumbotron during Knicks-Heat: pic.twitter.com/v0LUDiKeaW
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 28, 2019
I mean, you can’t boo a guy who brings his son to the game, right? It’s New York so you never know, but at least for now, Knicks fans seem to have more positive memories of Anthony’s seven years in orange and blue.
As for his career, things are still very much in flux. Last week, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that Anthony was traded to the Chicago Bulls. The three-time gold medalist is not expected to play games for the Bulls and will most likely sign with another team as the trade deadline gets closer.
But at this point in his career, where is Melo’s best fit?
LeBron James has spoken publicly about his desire to play with Anthony.
Back in December, James made statements about “knowing Melo better than he knows himself” and welcoming the idea of playing alongside Melo. At the same time, the Lakers have some young players that they want to continue to develop and bringing in Anthony may take away some of those minutes.
Back when Melo was a free agent in 2014, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers also recruited him as well. If Melo can accept a bench role as a hired gun, it’s possible that he could have success there.
Yet, I’d like to see Melo on the San Antonio Spurs. Melo needs a team with an established culture and coach: enter Gregg Popovich. In San Antonio, it’s his way or no way; Melo would have no choice but to play by his rules.
Time will tell, but at least for the night, Melo was back in the Garden. “Once a Knick always a Knick.”
