The New York Knicks are once again out of the NBA playoffs, and the failure to get in this round appears to be getting to Carmelo Anthony. While his NBA All-Star friends, such as LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Chris Paul, are out making a run for the finals to possibly take the championship trophy from the Golden State Warriors, he is stuck sitting on the sidelines. Despite the promising season of the New York Knicks, their handful of wins halted their dreams of becoming playoffs contenders. Is this the last straw for Carmelo Anthony?
Trade rumors have been circling Anthony since the New York Knicks lost its chance to be part of the NBA playoffs 2016. Despite the entry of Kristaps Porzingis in the Derrick Williams team, the group still failed to make it to the highly coveted round. Moreover, the shift in Anthony's leadership style failed to garner a different result for the team. Hence, it comes as no surprise when the NBA All-Star reportedly issued an ultimatum to the New York Knicks.
The condition, as stated in an earlier Gospel Herald report, was for the New York Knicks to sign remarkable NBA stars. With the free agency market teeming with promising stars, the team should not have difficulty signing players. However, Anthony does not want just any star to enter the New York Knicks roster. He wants either Kevin Durant or Rajon Rondo to sign with the team. If possible, he wants both.
However, the two big names might be hesitant to sign with the New York Knicks. One of the main roadblocks for the team is the fact that some NBA players find the 'triangle' a problematic approach to winning games on the hardwood court. In fact, Rondo publicly rejected this type of play by Phil Jackson. If recent reports are to be believed, then it looks like even Anthony has come to a realization that the 'triangle' is not working for the New York Knicks.
Ian Begley of ESPN shared that Anthony many have skipped the 'triangle' meeting held by Jackson. While the meeting was not mandatory, a couple of veteran stars joined Porzingis and the other young stars. As for Anthony, it looks like almost a decade trying to make the 'triangle' work is enough for him.
"What's successful for us,'' responded Anthony in an interview when asked about the focus of the New York Knicks. He added, "That's the question you have to ask ourselves as a whole organization. Not just winning another 15 games like we did this year and playing for the eighth seed. Is that success? Or is being a top seed in the Eastern Conference, a top team in the NBA? Winning a championship is always the ultimate success."
Meanwhile, the uncertainty of Anthony's future with the New York Knicks have stars like Porzingis worried. In the past, the NBA All-Star veteran served as the mentor for the Latvian rookie. However, time is not on Anthony's side. The championship window is closing in on the New York Knicks leader. Will this push him out of the current squad? Or will he stick it out with the team?
