Spotlight: Carmelo Anthony

After nearly a year of rumor-filled drama, the saga of Carmelo Anthony’s future is finally complete.

 

Last week, Anthony was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks. He, along with forward Amare Stoudemire and point guard Chauncey Billups, now make up another formidable big three to contend in the Eastern Conference.

 

"I think me and him will have a great time together here alongside each other," Anthony said of Stoudemire at his introductory news conference at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday. "It's going to be exciting. Once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen.”

 

Carmelo Anthony proved to be one of the most coveted talents in the NBA. For the past year, there had been speculation that Anthony wanted to leave the Nuggets and join either the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks.

 

Anthony never confirmed nor denied any reports. But the Knicks, Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves executed a 13-player blockbuster three-way trade last week.

 

The Knicks received Anthony, Billups, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams, Renaldo Balkman, and Minnesota’s Corey Brewer. They sent Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, and Timofey Mozgov to the Nuggets along with draft picks and cash. The Knicks also sent Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph to Minnesota for Brewer.

 

“It’s a dream come true for me,” said Anthony.

 

Anthony made his debut for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden last Wednesday night in a 114-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. He hit 10 of 25 shots and scored 11 of the Knicks 28 fourth-quarter points. He finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds and proved to his new teammates that he can be clutch down the stretch of games.

 

"Getting this W meant a lot to me," Anthony said.

 

It was an impressive performance by Anthony not only because it was his debut, but also because it has been quite a hectic week for Anthony. He flew to New York and passed a physical Tuesday night before playing in front of a sold-out crowd Wednesday.

 

"I've been working on no sleep," Anthony said after the game.

 

Even now that the trade has gone through, it is unclear on whether or not Anthony played a role in the matter.

 

"I don't know. I really can't answer that question,” Anthony said when asked if he considered signing for other teams. “I'm here now. I signed with the Knicks.”