New York Knicks: The Adversity Makes Carmelo Anthony Stronger

Carmelo Anthony hears the boos and trade rumors, but the New York Knicks star is only growing stronger with every obstacle he faces.

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks have reached a proverbial crossroads. The decision made in the coming days about Anthony’s future with the Knicks will go a long way towards determining the trajectory of the organization.

Though the trade rumors are taking their toll on Anthony’s level of morale, this undesirable experience is helping him grow as a person.

Anthony has heard trade rumors from the media and boos from his home crowd. In the face of unparalleled adversity, Anthony has remained positive and supportive of an organization that some believe doesn’t support him enough.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Anthony is being tested by the trade rumors—and he believes they’re making him stronger as a human being.

Anthony has been nothing short of a professional at a time when many would justify him reacting differently.

For those who missed it, Daily Knicks previously made the argument that the trade rumors are an example of The Zen Master at work. Phil Jackson has long utilized the media to motivate his players, including Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and Scottie Pippen.

If this was indeed Jackson’s strategy, then Anthony’s final sentence in the above quote is a sign that it’s working.

The question is: how much longer can the Knicks afford to play subpar basketball?

Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract that will ultimately decide where he finishes the 2016-17 NBA regular season. With New York now 22-30 and showing few signs of short-term improvement, however, it stands to reason that he could accept a trade to a contender.

If Anthony were to accept a trade, the teams the Knicks have reportedly contacted are the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Clippers.

True as that may be, the Knicks remain just 1.5 games back of the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. New York is also 3.5 games back of the No. 7 seed with 30 games remaining on the regular season schedule.

With the most realistically attainable goal being a first-round matchup against a top team in the Eastern Conference, however, Jackson may in favor of building long-term.

Regardless of what comes of this situation, Carmelo Anthony has been a consummate professional during trying times.