For just the third time this season, Carmelo Anthony failed to hit double-digit scoring for the New York Knicks, managing just nine points on 12 shots during their 105-88 loss Wednesday to the Miami Heat. And while some may chalk the off game to the sore left knee that caused the All-Star to miss a couple of games last week, Anthony implied that’s it the direction the team is taking for the remainder of the season.
“I see what they’re trying to do, and it’s just me accepting that – that’s what puts me at peace,” Carmelo Anthony told reporters following the game, adding that allowing the New York Knicks’ younger players to get valuable experience and make mistakes is more important than him trying to score 30 points every night. Anthony has expressed his frustration with the team’s decisions all season long – particularly with the team reverting to the triangle offense after starting the season winning with a faster paced offense. This time, though, he says he understands the approach.
As noted by ESPN, the New York Knicks (28-47) have already been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, and would be better served assessing their roster for the remainder of the season. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team, with starting guard Derrick Rose’s upcoming free agency, and the fact that the Knicks tried to trade Carmelo Anthony before the trade deadline – despite him having a no-trade clause in his contract.
The New York Knicks could have as much as $25 million to spend this offseason on free agents, should they pass on re-signing Derrick Rose. They would also likely have a lottery pick in what is expected to be a deep draft. Meanwhile, FOX Sports reports that Joakim Noah, who was recently suspended for 20 games for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, has been cleared to physically be able to play, which means his suspension began with Wednesday’s game.
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