The New York Knicks offseason did not go as planned. Team president Phil Jackson did not get his A-list stars like Kevin Love or DeAndre Jordan and the NBA Drafted proved to be quiet as Kristaps Porzingis shook the commissioners hand amongst a sea of boos raining down from the New York crowd. After it was all said and done, it was Carmelo Anthony that ended up taking the brunt of the criticism as many assumed it was only a matter of time before the star requested a trade. Anthony is setting the record straight saying he holds no ill will towards the offseason for the Knicks.
Instead of signing big names, the Knicks opted to acquire players like Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams on team-friendly contracts along with Robin Lopez and Kyle O'Quinn to help with size depth. ESPN's Chris Broussard first reported that Anthony was unhappy with the offseason and felt betrayed by Jackson, but the star denied the report sayings he likes the additions.
"Honestly, I thought we did a great job just as far as putting the pieces that we need to put together," Anthony said, via ESPN.com. "We didn't get DeAndre [Jordan], we didn't get LaMarcus [Aldridge] and Greg Monroe, but [Robin] Lopez is a great addition. Arron Afflalo, I played with him a long time in Denver. [Kyle] O'Quinn is a great pickup; I think guys will like him. He's a big guy, power forward. Derrick Williams, we're going to get him right. He seemed focused. And then rookies, KP [Porzingis], I had him with me last week working out at my gym. We're just trying to start this thing off right."
Porzingis was a hot topic of debate for the Knicks. With the top four draft pick, the team could have gone multiple directions, but opted to grab Porzingis who had flown under the radar while playing overseas. The power forward quickly dismissed any doubt around him by having a strong performance in summer league play. Anthony made it clear that Porzingis is a real steal for the Knicks and he can be productive for the team.
"He's a down-to-earth guy, a humble guy," Anthony said. "You can tell that he's got a chip on his shoulder, which I love that. ... You kind of have to have that being in New York."
The Knicks are still eying moves at this point in the offseason. Carlos Boozer, Norris Cole and JaVale McGee appear to be the favored players with a few roster spots still open. Trades could also be an option going forward as Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon are not guaranteed to make the team. Regardless, Anthony is approaching this season with an open mind and confidence.
"I try to use the summer time to myself, get away from the media. Let you guys have your time ... but then someway, somehow it always come back to me. I expect that. I don't get mad at that."
