While many teams are ready to recruit Carmelo Anthony to their team, he is thinking about recruiting players to come play in New York. The soon-to-be free agent made headlines after saying he would test the market next summer, but it is clear that the forward is not thinking about leaving the New York Knicks any time soon.
Anthony's comments come after Charles Barkley questioned his ability to lead a team. The NBA analyst noted that he was unsure if Anthony had the star power or the leadership abilities to recruit players to the Knicks. Barkley commented that he was no Kobe Bryant and would struggle to get marquee players to join the team during free agency. Anthony does not agree.
"They don't know what I'm doing," Anthony said, via Newsday. "I haven't had a complaint yet in my 11 years in this NBA about playing with me. I think people would love to come to play in New York. And when that time comes, we'll be working on that. I have a big black book. I have a big Rolodex. People that talk about what's going on with me in the offseason, this and that, I should be getting people to come here, I am. I'm trying."
Barkley noted that he did not believe too many people were looking to jump at the chance to play with Anthony in New York and part of the reason is because the forward continues to talk about opting out of his current contract in 2014. Anthony simply said that he does not listen to a word Barkley says and is simply focused on the season ahead and proving people wrong about the Knicks.
"I don't care about doubters," Anthony said. "I believe we have what it takes. We believe we have what it takes. But we have to go out there and do that, and show that and prove it. It's hard. I mean, it's hard to do, but we've got to take on that challenge. We've got to be ready for that."
Anthony will not be able to ignore questions about his pending free agency as the season goes on. The Los Angeles Lakers are already targeting the forward to join up with Bryant this season. The Knicks forward says he is no longer thinking about his future beyond the current season and his contract will not be a distraction.
"The free agency, that's not hanging over my head," Anthony said. "I'll deal with that in the offseason when that time comes. I'm very excited about this season. I believe it'll be a great season and I think we have a hell of a chance to do something this year."
