Last July, there was palpable curiosity among the Knicks fan base as they awaited their first extensive look at Kristaps Porzingis in the Las Vegas summer league. A week ago, the Knicks were without a first- or even second-round pick in the NBA Draft, so there is no rookie or free-agent hopeful on their Orlando Pro Summer League roster who has generated much interest as they prepare for their debut Saturday (3 p.m. on the MSG Network).
But the Knicks have produced excitement, debate and optimism in the basketball media sphere, in both traditional and social media, with the acquisition of Derrick Rose. “I’m just happy to be here,” Rose said at his introductory press conference. “I’m happy to be playing alongside someone that is a dog just like how I am and wanting win and willing to do whatever it takes to win. So, I’m grateful. I’m appreciative and I can’t wait.”
The “dog” to whom Rose was referring in a complimentary context is Carmelo Anthony. Team President Phil Jackson and Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Mills have uplifted the hopes of the Knicks’ franchise player by the trade.
Anthony, speaking at Rucker Park in Harlem Monday as part of a Team USA public relations event as he plans to compete in his fourth Olympic Games taking place in Brazil in August (He’ll be the first male basketball player to ever represent four United States Olympic teams.), expressed his renewed enthusiasm as a result of the deal that sent Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon to the Bulls.
“I’m reinvigorated,” he said. “I feel a little bit more confident, just the fact that they made that move … So it shows me that [Jackson and Mills] are looking at right now and not looking at the future just yet. The time is now and I think we have to capitalize on what we have right now. Of course as a front office you have to also look at the big picture, the future, but the time is now to go out there and try to win.”
The nine-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team selection turned 32 May 29. Anthony is acutely aware that with each passing season—13 and counting now, five full and one partial season with the Knicks—his prospects of winning a championship appreciably diminish.
Rose alone will not be enough for Anthony to realize a burning obsession. But he’s a start. A healthy, productive 2016-17 campaign from the 27-year-old former Chicago Bull point guard can propel the Knicks back into the playoffs, of which they have been a spectator for the past three seasons.