Carmelo Anthony on New York: ‘I could never leave this. Too much love here’
Although LeBron James’ decision to return to Cleveland has dominated the storylines of the NBA offseason, the other big decision was All-Star Carmelo Anthony deciding to stay with the New York Knicks even after last year’s deplorable season.
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The Knicks went 37-45 last season and missed the playoffs even whilst Carmelo having an impressive year. Simply put, the team as a whole could not get it done even with the greatness of a player like Anthony.
Considering the fact that Carmelo missed the playoffs for the first time in his career last season, some pundits expected him to leave New York and chase a title with the Houston Rockets or some other franchise.
Ultimately Carmelo chose to stay in New York, and in a recent interview with the Washington Post, explained his decision.
“I could never leave this,” Carmelo said. “Too much love here.”
It is true that Carmelo is loved in New York, but we bet a large portion of his decision had to do with the five-year, $124 million contract the Knicks offered him.
Regardless, Carmelo is looking forward to putting last season behind him and is optimistic that the Knicks will make the playoffs.
“I don’t think we will have another season like we had last year,” Carmelo continued. “When I say that, I believe that we will make the playoffs, that’s where I’m coming from. I think we will have a much better season than we did last year. As far as putting a number on the games we want to win, it’s hard to say that right now. But as far as us feeling good about this upcoming season, the way we feel I’m confident in what we’re about to create. I believe we will be in the postseason.”
The Knicks are counting on Carmelo to have another big season in order for the team to improve from last year, but he will need role players to help if the team plans on making the playoffs.