Time for Melo to Move on From Unloyal Knicks
On Friday night, Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks in points, as he does every time the team takes the court. It was an off night for Melo, just 18 points however his 11 rebounds also led the team and he hit the game clinching shot. The Knicks grabbed the win for the second time in the last three games as they look to gain some momentum during what has been a disaster of a season. The season has been filled with losses, drama and trade rumors. The biggest one being the shipping of their star, Carmelo Anthony. Is it time for the Knicks to move on from Melo? No, I think it's time for Melo to move on from the Knicks.
As he stepped to the free throw line late in the 3rd quarter, boos began pouring out of the crowd directed at the future hall of famer. He missed the first attempt and the boos got louder. He missed the second attempt and like the first, the boos got louder. Is this any way to treat the player that at one time was the only ray of hope for your team? I mean let's be honest, Carmelo Anthony is the sole reason they have had any playoff runs since he got there. While he may be struggling a bit this season, he has done nothing but help this organization. He chose to stay and try to bring them a trophy rather than leaving them for dead. He has taken criticism from the team’s owner and coach yet still goes out and leads the team night after night. Despite the trade rumors, he said he had no intentions of waiving his no trade clause (that has of course changed over the last few days). And at this point, when the ones that are supposed to be supporting you unconditionally are unrightfully booing you, it can't be easy to shake off. Melo seemed hurt as he stepped to the line for his third shot. You could see it in his eyes. It was as if he had just lost a big piece of him. The man loves New York City and has done his best to succeed there as a team. Unfortunately, the same fans that once saw him as their only hope, have turned on him.
Shame on Knicks fans as they boo Melo. Throughout this whole situation, he has not said a bad thing about the organization, fans or team. He has handled it with respect and loyalty. But I can't say I'm surprised. These are the same fans that turned on Alex Rodriguez just a few years after two MVP awards and a World Series ring. Yes, the path isn't always smooth but these fans never seem to appreciate the greatness they have been given. Who would want to play for such an unloyal fan base? They constantly use their stars as scapegoats when the team is struggling and will move on from their once favorite player in a matter of seconds. I think the booing of Anthony is disgusting. It shows a lack of class and will do nothing but make the whole team worse and push away future free agent targets. So yes Knicks fans, continue to criticize the one that has stuck by you in hard times. Continue to push away the one that is the only reason you have seen playoff basketball in the last 6+ years.
Melo has said that the trade rumors are mentally draining. However he has done a very good job of playing through it. He has caught fire as of late (more reason why booing him is wrong). I think this situation shows the lack of class by both the fan base and the organization as a whole. Getting out of New York and getting a new start with a team that will actually support him may help Melo’s career and at this point I’d love to see him go to a contender and win a ring, leaving the Knicks in the trash behind him as they continue to burn for years to come.