The clock is ticking for Carmelo Anthony and the rest of his 2014-15 season. With each loss by the New York Knicks, Anthony's potential decision to shut things down grows closer and closer. Monday might have been the last star for the star who has been dealing with a number of injuries this season, sitting out 12 games total. The Knicks currently have the worst record in the NBA while showing no potential to improve on it. After another injury setback, Anthony hints that shutting things down is the likely option.
Anthony's return to the court sparked a few wins for the Knicks, but on Monday the star left the game against the Miami Heat midway through the fourth quarter after hyperextending his knee and did not return. The Knicks began to reach a double figures deficit and Anthony opted not to attempt to play again. As their record begins to get out of reach, Anthony might make that same decision regarding the rest of his season.
"It's little things that I'm doing out there on the court," Anthony said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "I'm restricted, I'm not getting that power or that bounce, and then to do something like I did today, I think I'm getting closer to that point. I think due to the lack of movement, the lack of explosiveness I have right now -- I'm just trying to compensate and try to figure it out as it goes along. I'm not thinking about the All-Star at this point. As long as I can go to Orlando [on Tuesday] and kind of don't feel nothing or no soreness, I'll see what happens. It's frustrating, not being able to be yourself and fighting through it."
Chris Herring of the Wall Street Journal is reporting that Anthony told the media that he is getting close to the point where he must decide whether or not to shut things down for the year, something that could be determined after the All-Star break. The Knicks need Anthony healthy because team president Phil Jackson intends to use him as a recruiting tool for free agents in the offseason. The Knicks' wish list is lofty with big names like Reggie Jackson, Greg Monroe and LaMarcus Aldridge. If Anthony is still dealing with injuries, those players might opt to head elsewhere. Shutting things down could be the best long-term move.
