There's no denying that Carmelo Anthony has been a superstar in the NBA since he was drafted in 2003, but the New York Knicks forward believes he isn't as appreciated as some of the league's other stars.
Anthony signed a five-year, $124 million contract to stay with the Knicks over the offseason and as the best player on one of the highest-profile teams in the NBA, there will be a lot of eyes on him next season. But according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Anthony thinks his superstar status doesn't compare to the other big-name NBA stars:
Melo told me he's "the most underrated superstar" in the league...
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) September 29, 2014
Maybe that's because Anthony has made it out of the first round of the playoffs just twice in his 11-year career. New York also struggled mightily last year, going 37-45 and missed the postseason. After last year's failure, Anthony said he believes he can help lead the team back to a playoff berth:
Carmelo believes the #Knicks will be a playoff team this year. Says he "doesn't want to feel the pain" that he felt last year. — Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 29, 2014
Anthony had other options in free agency this summer with contenders like the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets all vying for his services. But the seven-time All-Star said it wasn't the money that influenced his decision to stay with the Knicks, it was the way he forced the Denver Nuggets to trade him to New York in 2010:
Melo said staying in NY was about “unfinished business” and admitted it would have ben tough to leave after he “forced my way here.” Wow.
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) September 29, 2014
With new team president Phil Jackson and first-year head coach Derek Fisher, Anthony said he's fully committed to helping the Knicks return to prominence:
Carmelo: "I want (Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher) to know I'm in. I'm embracing this challenge." — Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) September 29, 2014
The Knicks have a roster that will likely contend for a playoff spot next season, but it's unlikely they will be able to get past the top teams in the Eastern Conference like Chicago and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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