Knicks' Carmelo Anthony: 'We have a very special team on paper'
New York's star forward is pleased with the front office's offseason moves
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2 min read
The New York Knicks have radically remade themselves this offseason. Their rotation will include Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee, Brandon Jennings and Justin Holiday, among other additions. Knicks president Phil Jackson has said that his approach has been dictated by the fact that star forward Carmelo Anthony is 32 years old and wants to win now. Anthony, speaking from Team USA practice in Las Vegas on Monday, sounds like a big fan of Jackson's moves.
From the New York Daily News' Al Iannazzone:
"We have a very special team on paper right now," Anthony said after the U.S. men's Olympic team held its first practice Monday. "I think we have a good opportunity to do some things this year. It's all about what we do. It's all about us now. It's all about how we come together, how we jell together. For the most part, the pieces are there, so it's up to us."
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"Thank you," Anthony said. "Thank you, Phil. I'll take it.
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"The front office stepped up," Anthony said. "It was a collective effort. They did their job and they did what they had to do to make some moves and make things happen. They put us in a situation to give us an opportunity. All we have to do is take advantage of that."
Anthony repeatedly used the phrase "on paper," and that's probably because he knows injuries can sink this particular team and he's seen other locker rooms collapse with chemistry problems. He also repeated that "the time is now," implying that New York should return to the playoffs after a three-year absence.
Honestly, Anthony's assessment isn't far off. "Special" is a bit strong, but there's enough talent for the Knicks to be competitive in the Eastern Conference. While the Rose trade could be questioned because of his contract situation, a healthy Noah is still a great addition and the signings of Lee and Jennings did a lot to balance out the roster. If Kristaps Porzingis takes a leap -- or just becomes more consistent over the course of the entire season -- then New York could be one of the more improved teams in the league.
Of course, these are the Knicks, so there are a ton of questions. Beyond health and chemistry, no one exactly knows how heavily new coach Jeff Hornacek will rely on the triangle offense. The most important thing Anthony said is not that New York can be special, it is that the season will be determined by how the pieces end up fitting.
