Carmelo Anthony might be more injured than originally expected. The New York Knicks star forward has struggled to return from a lingering knee issue that could be a great injury than was originally diagnosed. The team is searching for answers as they prepared for a postseason run. Anthony is now flying back to New York to have his knee drained and be examined further.
Anthony said that the knee-draining procedure was a "last option" move and was recommended after consulting a doctor.
"I'm going to go get it drained, get the fluid out. Get to the bottom of it quickly, so I can get back on the court," Anthony said.
Anthony has missed the past three of the team's five games with the knee injury. Anthony briefly spoke on the injury Monday saying that he does not believe his knee will ever be the same again. While an MRI revealed no structural damage to knee or the area surrounding it, Anthony continues to experience swelling along with pain and stiffness.
Following a poor performance in the Knicks' 117-94 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, Anthony decided the only option was the draining procedure. Anthony only scored nine points in the game before leaving in the third quarter and not returning.
"I was always concerned. I was being naïve to myself, saying OK. Trying to psyche myself out, 'I can do it. I can do it.' But there comes a point where you've got to figure it out and get to the bottom of it and move on," Anthony said post-game.
Anthony probably should not have played in the last two games while experiencing the knee pain. Head coach Mike Woodson told media that Anthony wanted to play and the team went with his decision. When realizing he was in pain, Woodson pulled their star in the third quarter and decided to send him home for evaluation.
The Knicks dropped one game behind the Indiana Pacers for second place in the Eastern Conference. They need Anthony at full-strength if the team has any hope in competing in the post season. In his past 10 games, Anthony has averaged 22.1 points per game with 4.6 rebounds. That is down from his season's average of 27.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. There is not official timetable for Anthony's return, but he will not play Thursday night against the Trail Blazers.