The New York Knicks suffered through one of the worst regular seasons in franchise history in the first year with Phil Jackson at the helm and Derek Fisher coaching. Big changes to the roster are expected this offseason, and Carmelo Anthony's role may be the most significant.
According to reporter Al Iannazzone, Anthony wouldn't take issue with coming back in 2015-16 as a second option on offense if the Knicks can upgrade the roster.
Melo said if the Knicks get another superstar in the near future, he would be willing to be the second option.
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) April 16, 2015
Anthony battled injury from Day 1 this year, but still managed to score 24.2 points per game on 44 percent shooting, and he led the league in scoring in 2012-13. Throughout his career he's been one of the NBA's primary scorers, and it's unlikely any 2015 free agents will be able to shove him from his spot as the lead dog.
The top free agents of this year's crop are expected to be Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol and Dallas Mavericks point guard Rajon Rondo. Gasol's primary value is post defense and rim protection, while Rondo is a non-threat from the outside, and struggles badly from the free throw line.
LaMarcus Aldridge is a high-end offensive option, but despite his ability to fill up the stat sheet even he is unlikely to usurp Anthony's seniority in the Big Apple. One intriguing option may be current Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, whose relationship with fellow star LeBron James has been the subject of much scrutiny.
In his lone season with the Cavs, Love's production has dropped off a cliff from his time in Minnesota. This year Love averaged 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists, all of which were drops from a season ago. His field goal percentage dropped as well as did his usage rate; in addition, Love was used as a mostly stationary long-range bomber, when he showed vast post capability with the Timberwolves in addition to his 3-point prowess.
If he opts out, the Knicks may try to woo him and his pre-Cavs numbers might convince Anthony to take more of a back seat. Even if they landed Love, Anthony functioning as anything but a lead scorer is hard to envision.
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