NBA Rumors: Carmelo Anthony Sets Ultimatum for New York Knicks; All-Star Demands Better Players, Scoffs at Derrick Williams, Arron Afflalo Deals

By Mitch de Leon
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony hasn't been responding to Phil Jackson's text; still the 'Zen Master' isn't worried.  Reuters

The New York Knicks are in the process of rebuilding their team. With the death of their playoff dreams this NBA season, the Kristaps Porzingis squad is itching to get themselves out of the bottom rankings. Moreover, star player Carmelo Anthony appears to be losing his patience with the basketball group's current lineup. Despite the breakout performance of Porzingis, the New York Knicks are still lacking in depth and consistency in the hardwood court.

With the ongoing issues among the New York Knicks coaching staff and players, Anthony is reportedly making himself become a significant member of the decision-makers when recruiting stars. The NBA All-Star has recently become quite vocal in his desire to acquire better basketball stars in the team. In fact, Anthony is more than willing to lend a helping hand in attracting promising players.

So far, the New York Knicks acquired Robin Lopez and Arron Afflalo during the past NBA offseason. Derrick Williams and Kyle O'Quinn were also signed about the same time. However, it looks like Anthony wants more. The NBA All-Star hinted on his goal to comb the free agent market for other promising stars.

"It's in their court. The ball is in their court," said Anthony of the New York Knicks front office, according to ESPN. He added, "They have an opportunity, we have an opportunity to do something this offseason. We gotta do something. It's there."

Anthony also noted that the next NBA offseason will be an "even playing field" for the teams across the league. Hence, the former Denver Nuggets star urges the New York Knicks to "hit the ground running." To further bolster the serious intent of Anthony to give a hand to the front office, news of meeting personally with Phil Jackson to discuss the team's future surfaced recently.

"I thought it was good timing for us to sit down and talk," shared Anthony of the meeting with the New York Knicks president. He added, "I won't go into the details of [questions he asked Jackson], but it was just good for me to get it out there, talk about it, get his response, get his feedback, and that was that. I got some answers that I was looking for, and I'll leave it at that."

Apart from the players in the roster, it seems that Anthony also wants a review of the coaching staff. Although Kurt Rambis is the head coach of the New York Knicks, his position remains uncertain.That is, the team is still on the lookout for someone who can deliver them their dream - hopefully, by the next NBA season.  

"I think you consider Kurt at that job," said Anthony via Newsday, referring to the head coach post vacated by Derek Fisher. He added, "He brought Kurt here for that reason if anything was to happen and the situation is here for him now. I think it's just more of seeing how Kurt handles the situation right now, how the team does, how the team responds to Kurt. But I think you still have to go out there and at least listen to other candidates out there."

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