NEW YORK CITY- There was much anticipation in the Big Apple to see their star, Carmelo Anthony be represented in the NBA All Star game. He was named the ambassador of this year’s game, being that it would be played in Madison Square Garden. There was even more hype surrounding Anthony’s performance due to it being his last of the season. He had opted to shut down after the game for the rest of the season, to have surgery on his ailing knee that has bothered him throughout the first half of the season.
His performance was less than impressive. Anthony shot 6-20 from the field, and finished with just 14 points and 7 rebounds. It was clear that he was not 100%, and did not have the same lift on his jumper. Often times he looked sluggish and even on his two hand dunk, he did not look as fluid as he has in the past. For those saying Anthony was faking it, last Sunday was proof that the surgery is very much needed.
Another Knick headline, is that Amar’e Stoudemire is no longer a member of the Knicks. The rest of his contract was bought out, which ended his 5 year stint with the blue and orange. No season did Stoudemire play a complete 82 games, which was the storyline throughout his time in New York. When healthy, he produces and helps the club win games. However, Stoudemire’s time on the court was very inconsistent and sporadic. Back in the 2010-11 season, Stoudemire played 72 games, averaged 36.8 minutes a game, and averaged 25.3 points per game. Last season, Stoudemire played 65 games, averaged 22.6 minutes a game, and averaged 11.9 points per game. His numbers since he joined the Knicks in 2010-11, have steadily declined and he is a shell of what he used to be.
Stoudemire has found work already, as sources have him going to Dallas to rejoin former teammate Tyson Chandler. The Mavericks seem like the best fit for him, and he will have the ability to play for a championship, which has eluded him for all his career.
New York will kick off their 2nd half of the season Friday night against their rivals, the Miami Heat. The game will be in the Garden, and the Knicks will look to start this half off right with what they have left on their roster.
Barry Holmes/Pure Sports NY