Carmelo Anthony’s Shocking Knicks Comeback Secret Before Retirement!

Revealed: Carmelo Anthony’s Near Return to the Knicks

On a recent episode of the podcast 7PM in Brooklyn With Carmelo Anthony & The Kid Mero, former NBA icon Carmelo Anthony disclosed that he was on the verge of rejoining the New York Knicks prior to his decision to retire. This episode, which aired on Monday, provided insights into his plans post the 2021-22 season, which he concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Anthony expressed, “After my season ended in LA, I knew my time there was over. There was a certain atmosphere—it wasn’t negative, but it clearly wasn’t inviting further discussions about my future with the team.” He added, “It felt obvious that they were moving towards a different future, which was fine. It aligned with my personal plan to return to New York, to conclude my career where I felt at home, and to contribute to the team as long as I was capable.”

A Missed Opportunity in New York

Despite a successful stint with the Lakers, where Anthony proved his ongoing value on the court, a reunion with the Knicks didn’t materialize. “My goal was always to return to New York,” he explained in the podcast, indicating that although he had the intention and capability to play in New York, the fit ultimately wasn’t right.

Carmelo Anthony, originally selected third overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, gained prominence as one of the league’s top scorers over his first eight seasons. His trade to the Knicks in February 2011 marked the beginning of a significant chapter in his career, enhancing his stardom and helping propel the Knicks into the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-04 season.

Following his tenure with the Knicks, Anthony played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers, before his final season with the Lakers. He announced his retirement in May 2023.

Reflecting on his potential return to the Knicks, Anthony shared that he had settled in Westchester County, NY, in anticipation of his comeback. However, discussions with the Knicks’ management about his role did not align with his expectations. “They offered me a spot, but the role was limited and uncertain. I couldn’t accept that. After a solid year in LA, I wasn’t ready to step into a situation where my playing time was so unclear,” he remarked.

Anthony emphasized that the lack of certainty and the sense that the Knicks were not fully committed to having him back were the main reasons he decided against rejoining the team. This decision marked the end of what could have been a nostalgic return to the Knicks, where he had previously shined as a major league star.

Throughout his 19-year NBA career, Anthony was named to 10 All-Star teams, captured a scoring title, and accumulated 28,289 points, placing him tenth in the league’s all-time scoring list. Additionally, he earned three Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

Ultimately, Anthony’s career reflects not only his outstanding personal achievements but also his enduring impact on the teams he played for and the communities he represented.

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Mike

Mike Johnson is a passionate news writer with a keen interest in current events. With over a decade of experience in journalism, he has a talent for uncovering the stories that matter most. Mike’s insightful articles and in-depth analyses have made him a trusted voice in the industry. He thrives on staying ahead of the news curve, providing readers with timely and relevant information. Whether it’s breaking news, politics, or social issues, Mike’s dedication to the craft ensures that his readers are always well-informed.