Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
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Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have lost four straight games. Mike Brown’s team has looked stagnant on both sides of the ball, and questions are starting to be asked regarding the team’s inconsistency on the offensive end.
During a recent appearance on NBA on NBC, former Knicks star Carmelo Anthony expressed frustration with the team’s current struggles. He noted how the team has been getting “punked” in recent games.
“The late-game offense becomes so, so predictable, man,” Anthony said. “The shot creation… That burden on Jalen Brunson is too heavy on his shoulders from a night-to-night basis…When you just focus on Jalen Brunson, and there’s no movement, there’s no offense, there’s stagnation, and you’re getting, I don’t want to say ‘get punked,’ but you’re getting punked.”
Anthony continued.
“I don’t think this is a time to panic, but they have to get their stuff together…I was watching the game last night, and I’m like… Where’s Kat? Where’s OG? We can’t rely on Kolek like that. What he gives us is a plus. He can get down here, play off a pick and roll. But on a night-to-night basis, who’s going to be the Knicks’ second option? And the second option cannot be indecisive. Whoever’s making more than $25 million…They all need to step up.”
Anthony’s criticism is fair. The Knicks have looked stagnant over the past few games, and the supporting cast has all had their struggles. If the Knicks are serious about winning a championship this season, they have to start building better habits.
Mike Brown Understands Knicks Fans Will Panic
During Mike Brown’s postgame news conference following the team’s loss to the Detroit Pistons on Jan. 5, he was honest in his understanding that the Knicks fanbase will begin to panic. However, he was keen to stress that those within the organization are far from hitting the panic button.
“As a fan you have right to panic,” Brown said. “You have a right to boo, you have a right to cheer. That’s what this is, this is a sport and Knicks fans are passionate, and they’re pretty knowledgeable, too, from the little bit of time I been here. So, I’m good w whatever they do. It’s up to us to ensure we take care of us and we handle the process the right way.”
Nevertheless, if the Knicks continue on their current slide, it won’t be long until the coaching staff and the front office will start to grow concerned with the product that’s currently being put on the floor.
Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns Is Still Adjusting
On paper, Karl-Anthony Towns is having a solid season. He’s averaging 21.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists, shooting 47.1% from the field and 35.6% from deep. Yet, the eye test tells you that he’s still uncomfortable in his role within the Knicks’ new-look system.
Town’s addressed his adjustment period when speaking with the media following the Knicks’ loss to the Pistons.
“Different system,” Towns said. “It’s just different. … Biggest adjustment is for me. Like Mike said, I make the biggest sacrifice. We’re figuring it out. We’ve got a long flight, a practice tomorrow, we’ve got to sit down and figure out who we are and how we want to get back on track.”
Towns is one of the most talented bigs in the NBA. He is supposed to be New York’s secondary option. Brown must do more to get him up to speed with the system and how to thrive in his role. Otherwise, someone else on New York’s roster has to step up.
The problem is, the Knicks need Towns at his best, regardless of who else ups their game. Fortunately, there are still 40+ games of the regular season for him to get where he needs to be.