The New York Knicks have a lot of young players to develop and mentor. Rumors are starting that Carmelo Anthony may be the perfect role model.
While that all sounds good, Anthony can’t fill that role. He isn’t the type of player that’s going to take a backseat to anyone. But new team president Leon Rose has already been linked to possibly bringing Anthony back to the Knicks.
When the Knicks made their last playoff run in 2012, Anthony was surrounded by players similar in age. It wasn’t until the end of his Knicks tenure when the youth movement began. And we all know how his departure went.
Unless this is a new Anthony that no one knows about, him being a mentor isn’t the smartest idea. He has always been a ball hog and a player that puts himself first. Even in his latest venture with the Portland Trailblazers, Anthony is always looking to be the main guy.
In his time with other teams, Thunder, Rockets and Trailblazers, Anthony always found issues with his teammates, or vice versa. He didn’t seem to fit in with their schemes. If someone can’t fit in the Rockets run-and-gun system then something is seriously wrong.
He’s never been one to shy away from taking control of the game or taking unnecessary shots. In his prime with the Knicks, Anthony didn’t shy away from putting up major shots. He always wanted the ball at all times despite other having the hot hand. That hasn’t changed with any team he’s been with and it won’t.
As Anthony gets older, there’s no indication that he’s a different player or can be a mentor. That’s not his style and won’t event be. The Knicks, possibly, have higher hopes for an aging Anthony, it’s not for the best.
It’s always been the same selfish Melo despite great memories and Knicks records. Rose might think that Anthony could mentor the younger generation but if it hasn’t happen already it most likely won’t. The New York Knicks-Melo ship has sailed.