Jake DeVellis, Special to Southern News-
After months of speculation, the New York Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. There is no doubt this transaction will have a tremendously positive effect on the immediate and long term future of the Knicks organization, enabling them to reach the ultimate goal: an NBA Championship.
A star of Anthony’s caliber will be beneficial as soon as he steps foot into Madison Square Garden. “Melo,” a four-time All-Star who averages 25 points per game, is among the top scorers in the league. His addition adds immense credibility to a roster-containing fellow All-Star Amare Stoudemire. This tandem instantly makes the Knicks, who currently sit at sixth place in the Eastern Conference, a contender. The team has ample time to develop the chemistry needed for a title run with 28 games remaining on the schedule. When the playoffs arrive in April, no team will welcome a matchup against a squad complete with Anthony and Stoudemire.
Making the trade has secured the Knicks future for years to come. Anthony is only 26 years old and has plenty of time left in his illustrious career. Stoudemire is 28, meaning the duo has a long time to emerge alongside one another. This proves to be extremely important considering fellow conference powers such as Miami, Boston and Chicago are all armed with superior young talent. In addition, the aging Boston Celtics will see their time at the top fade in upcoming years. Landing Anthony gives the Knicks an opportunity at championship glory in every season he wears the orange and blue.
Having MVP-caliber players is the way to win a championship in the NBA. The league has forever been ruled by superstar talent. Think Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Shaquille O’Neal. All were dominant in bringing title glory to their respective franchises. Currently, the top teams, which include the Lakers, Spurs, Celtics and Heat, all rely on star power to separate themselves from the rest. These teams boast multiple All-Stars to complement each other’s talent. The Knicks join the conversation by adding Anthony to the equation. He can carry a team on his back in clutch situations judging by his career average of 25 points per game in the postseason. In a league that requires superior talent to succeed, obtaining a player on the level of Carmelo Anthony was essential for the Knicks to contend among the elite.
Accompanying a move of this magnitude was some criticism. Many argued New York gave up too much in a deal that sent a core of young players to Denver in exchange for the grand prize. While it is true that New York sacrificed a lot, the alternative was not an option. To not pursue a player of Anthony’s magnitude is a mistake the Knicks could not afford to make after a decade of futility. Sacrificing a few unproven role players is a small price to pay for an established scoring machine. The move makes the team a recognized power, no longer filled with a roster of Gallinari’s and Mosgov’s.
This acquisition proved the Knicks’ dedication to become a significant team in a league crammed with exceptional talent. A team loaded with Carmelo Anthony will experience certain success, resulting in potential championship brilliance.
