For the past couple weeks, or perhaps even longer, the top headlines in sports media somehow involves New York Knicks superstar forward Carmelo Anthony. These headlines have ranged from his estranged relationship with Phil Jackson, the ex-president of basketball operations for the Knicks, to him demanding a trade to the Houston Rockets to team up with his fellow superstars, guards Chris Paul and James Harden. It feels like a very long and tragic story, with no end in sight. Why is this nightmare still being lived out within the Knicks organization? Steve Mills, the new team president, hired Scott Perry as the team’s new GM last week, and he discussed the possibility that Carmelo could still return to the Knicks. Knicks fans have to be saying to themselves, “Why us? Can this Carmelo Anthony narrative end already?”
Yes, why hasn’t this situation ended already? Could it be because of Carmelo’s attitude? He originally said he wanted to stay in New York to be close with his son. I get it. He wants to maintain a proper father-child relationship, but at the same point, does he want his son to come to Madison Square Garden, only to witness continual disappointment and failure in the regular season? Anthony’s diva personality should’ve made it clear to the Knicks front office, specifically to owner James Dolan, that he is sick and tired of the team losing a lot of games, and with all the drama within the franchise.
This reminds me of the old rock classic song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” Carmelo Anthony is torn between his hometown (New York City) and his job (NBA forward for the New York Knicks). Will he stay and continue to endure the misery at Madison Square Garden, or will he take his talents to Houston, Texas, or Cleveland, Ohio, for a better chance of winning an NBA championship? What will ‘Melo’s future hold next? Stay tuned.