It has been observed lately that the New York Knicks have been too dependent on Carmelo Anthony. With their previous two games, the team seems to be lacking of juice to advance and conquer the fourth quarter of the game. Even their head coach, Derrick Fisher, was cognizant with the current last quarter habit of most of his players. Their dependence on Melo resulted in neglect to pass the ball the around and take some shot.
In a statement via ESPN, Fisher clarified that, "We're trying to make sure that [Anthony] and the guys understand that just giving [Anthony] the ball and saying go make a shot, that's not the way we're going to win games in the fourth quarter. It has to be done through all five guys. And that goes both ways, and that's not easy to do. Melo's been asked to do that on a lot of teams that he's played on. We're asking everybody not to play that way, first through fourth quarter, but it's just not easy to do."
There is no telling on what would be the condition of Carmelo Anthony on their upcoming matches. That is why giving the too much load to Melo especially on the crucial times would surely be too risky, for as what coach Fisher stated, "it's just not easy to do."
However, despite the said trend happening mostly in the latter part of the game, another player from Knicks seemed to have emerged from nowhere. Rookie player, Kristaps Porzingis, is contributing to his team much of what is being expected by his teammates and even by his critics. It was remembered that he was belittled by Lakers coach Byron Scott, saying that, "it was going to take him some time [to develop]."
With the significant contribution of Porzingis, experts are now speculating that in the near future the Knicks would have to let go of Carmelo Anthony. According to Gospel Herald, "New York Knicks could be deliberating on letting go of Anthony in the near future. It is no secret that the NBA team built its roster around the NBA elite." GH also added that, "With the championship window closing in on Anthony though, it might be best for the athlete to determine where his skills will be best put to use."
It is possible that Melo would soon be replaced by some younger star players from his team. And while he is still marketable, experts would suggest that he should transfer to a team wherein chances of winning a champion would be higher, of course together with other elite players. And for that to be actualized, all fingers seemed to be pointing to the Chicago Bulls.
As of now the Bulls are having some concerns in the forward position, a position that Carmelo Anthony could simply fit in. "Adding Anthony in the squad composed of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic would definitely make the Chicago Bulls a contender for the NBA finals," said Gospel Herald.