Knicks legend and TV talking head Walt “Clyde” Frazier speculates that superstar forward Carmelo Anthony is less-than-pleased with Phil Jacksons’ offseason moves, and hints that Melo could be eventually start considering bolting from New York.
Interesting. Walt Frazier tells ESPN regarding Knicks offseason moves "I'm sure Melo wasn't happy." (Knicks fans are denying Walt said that)
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) August 3, 2015
Walt Frazier wonders if Melo will ask for a trade. "They are a few years away and Melo knows that his days are numbered, so stay tuned."
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) August 3, 2015
Anthony, for what it’s worth, has maintained that he’s still on board with the Zen Master’s painstaking rebuild of the Knicks, but at 31 years old, the window to contend for an NBA title is getting smaller.
Frazier still believes that Anthony has it in him to play the way LeBron James does. Word, Clyde?
Per ESPN:
Q: What did you think of what the Knicks did this offseason? […] Frazier: “I think $30 million obviously doesn’t get you what it used to. So I think they did the best they could with the hand they were dealt. So they had an option: try to get superstars or try to build like Atlanta has done without superstars — like Toronto, like Washington. Some teams in the Eastern Conference have had success with that. So I think that’s what their game plan is right now: Try to get some good players and then maybe later on try to get a superstar.”
Q: The Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis, a guy who is a couple years away from being able to help you win night in and night out. Then there’s Carmelo Anthony, who is 31 and here for another four years. How does he fit in because it seems like they are looking at a future that might not fit within his window? […] Frazier: “I’m sure Melo wasn’t happy. His future is now. You know, he’s not getting younger. This is going to be a pivotal season for him to see really how he fits into the Knick plans and how this is going to go from here. Will he ask out, you know what I mean, if he sees that this is not happening? Because right now the Knicks, [it’s] going to be tough to make the playoffs. They are a few years away and Melo knows that his days are numbered, so stay tuned.”
Q: What did you see, if anything, that was different about the Knicks’ offense during the summer league compared to what you saw last season? […] Frazier: “Sometimes in summer league they weren’t using the triangle and they seemed to have better continuity. When they go to the triangle they seem to be more methodical, apprehensive. So that’s what the coaching staff has got to work out.”
