Hanging No. 7 in the Rafters: The Case for Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks Legacy

With Carmelo Anthony being nominated as a finalist for the Basketball Hall Of Fame Class of 2025, it’s only right the Knicks follow up with hanging up Carmelo Anthony number 7 Jersey in MSG.

The New York Knicks are one of the most iconic franchises in basketball, yet they have retired just 10 jerseys in their long history. If you’re getting your number in the rafters at Madison Square Garden, it means you were special. The question is: does Carmelo Anthony deserve that honor? To me, the answer is simple.

HELL FUCKING YES IS THE SKY BLUE?

Melo was the face of the Knicks for seven years. He brought excitement back to MSG, gave us legendary moments, and solidified himself as one of the greatest scorers of all time. But because he never won a championship, some fans and critics hesitate to put his No. 7 in the rafters. Other fans would say Carmelo Anthony is a selfish basketball player, ball hog, and a glory hog for example the Jeremy Lin situation. It was rumored Carmelo Anthony never liked Lin success in New York but was later refuted by Carmelo Anthony himself.

The thing is, when you look at his impact, the numbers, and the circumstances that held him back, it’s clear he did more for the Knicks than they ever did for him. I mean come on let’s just look at one of these starting lineups with Carmelo Anthony and you tell me if he can compete for a title:

From the moment he arrived in 2011, Melo was the guy. In 7 seasons with the Knicks, he averaged:

24.7 points

7.0 rebounds

3.2 assists

44.3% FG, 36.9% 3PT, 81.2% FT

Six-time All-Star (2011-2017)

Two-time All-NBA Second Team (2013, 2014)

2013 NBA Scoring Champion (28.7 PPG)

And then there was January 24, 2014 the night he dropped 62 points at MSG, the most ever by a Knick in a single game. No free throws to pad the stats, just pure scoring brilliance. These aren’t just good numbers; they’re legendary Knicks numbers. Matter of fact look at Melo teammates on the court when he scored 62 points

The Best Knicks Season Since the 90s

Melo’s peak as a Knick came in 2012-13, when he led them to 54 wins, their highest total since 1997. That team was built around Anthony scoring and featured a mix of veterans and role players who complemented his game. He embraced playing off the ball, moved the ball more than ever, and played a version of basketball that should have extended into future seasons.

It didn’t, the Knicks lost in the second round to the fuck ass Pacers, and then everything fell apart. The Pacers lost was so blasphemous because the Knicks did some nonsense the round prior. New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson at the time expressed being disappointed after the team wore all black before Game 5 of their series against the Celtics, a move meant to symbolize a funeral for Boston. The Celtics, however, forced a Game 6 with a 92-86 win at Madison Square Garden. After the Knicks Game 4 loss in Boston, Kenyon Martin reportedly suggested to his teammates to wear funeral black for Game 5, expecting the Knicks to eliminate the Celtics. All Black Story

Matter of fact let’s side step the Carmelo Anthony convo real quick so I can explain the mishandling of Jr Smith and Iman Shumpert by Knicks management.

The New York Knicks handling of Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith was a critical part of their struggles during the early 2010s, with both players showing flashes of potential but ultimately being stunted by either injuries, poor decisions or lack of development from both player and coaching staff.

Iman Shumpert was drafted by the Knicks in 2011 as a raw but promising shooting guard, known for his elite defense, athleticism, and potential as a two-way player. However, the Knicks coaching staff, especially under Mike Woodson, decided to move Shumpert to small forward position that was’t aligned with his strengths. Shumpert was a natural shooting guard, where he could use his speed and quickness to guard opposing players, run the floor, and contribute offensively in transition. By shifting him to SF, Shumpert was exposed to bigger, more physical players, which limited his effectiveness and resulted in a series of injuries.

The positional change had lasting effects on Shumpert’s development. As a small forward, he struggled to guard larger, more skilled players and couldn’t use his quickness to his advantage. The physical strain of playing a more demanding position took a toll on his body, and his knee injuries, which had already been an issue for him in college, became more frequent. Shumpert’s growth as a player was stunted by the Knicks decision to play him out of position, and he never fully developed into the player many had hoped he would be.

Meanwhile, J.R. Smith time with the Knicks was marked by inconsistency, a series of off-court distractions and a 6 man of the year award during the KnicksTape season. J.R. Smith’s 2012-2013 season with the New York Knicks was the best of his career, earning him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Smith was a key contributor to the Knicks success, averaging 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game in 33 minutes. His scoring off the bench helped fuel the Knicks second-place finish in the Eastern Conference, with Smith providing a scoring spark whenever needed.

Smith shooting was a major asset that season, as he shot 35.6% from three-point range and 77.1% from the free-throw line. He also had a career-high 40 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing his ability to explode offensively. Additionally, he scored 31 points in a game against the Charlotte Bobcats and had a notable 28-point performance against the Brooklyn Nets.

Despite his inconsistencies, Smith showed improved decision-making, contributing to the team offense without forcing shots. His offensive versatility, ability to create his own shot, and improved efficiency were key in securing the Sixth Man award. That season, Smith value to the Knicks was undeniable, even though the team ultimately fell short in the playoffs. Acquired in a trade from the Denver Nuggets in 2012, Smith was expected to provide scoring and energy to a Knicks team that was contending for a playoff spot. However, his tenure was marred by reckless behavior and a lack of professionalism, most notably during the 2013 playoffs.

Every Knick fan should get a good laugh out this picture while you’re here

Jr Smith is a known shoe-untie artist, infamously untying opponents sneakers at the free-throw line during games, a childish stunt that became a symbol of his immaturity. In New York, stuff like this can’t happen especially if the goal is the win a championship. Evident he never tried this stunt while with the Cavaliers.

Instead of focusing on the game, Smith antics, including a lack of discipline and poor decision-making, were distractions that hindered the Knicks playoff push. This was further highlighted when Smith was caught partying late at a club with pop star Rihanna before a pivotal Game against the Indiana Pacers. The next day, he delivered a subpar performance, which led to widespread criticism of his commitment and professionalism.

The Knicks were unable to rein him in and maximize his potential, and Smith on-court contributions were often overshadowed by his off-court missteps.

Both Shumpert and Smith had the talent to make a significant impact on the Knicks, but the team poor decisions whether it was playing Shumpert out of position or failing to address Smiths off-court issues left them unable to reach their full potential. While Shumpert was never able to recover from the positional change and injuries, Smith, despite his erratic behavior, both found success with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played a key role in their 2016 championship run.

Looking back, the Knicks failure to develop Shumpert properly and their inability to control Smith distractions remain defining moments in the franchise long stretch of mediocrity. Both players showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately became symbols of the Knicks lack of player development and poor decision-making. With better management, both Shumpert and Smith could have been key contributors to a successful Knicks team, but instead, their time in New York was marked by missed opportunities and untapped potential.

Now thinking back Glen Grunwald, the GM, and Mike Woodson, gambled on an old roster around Carmelo Anthony, gambled on Amar’e staying healthy, gambled on Tyson Chandler, and was proven their gambling habits needed to end. They were locked into contracts with Marcus Camby, Jason Kidd, and Amar’e Stoudemire for another two years, and Steve Novak for another three. Tyson Chandler value took a hit as he disappeared in this series, and Raymond Felton delivered a dismal 0-for-7 performance at the worst possible time.Why Knickstape failed

J.R. Smith, a free agent, expressed a desire to retire as a Knick, but investing big money in him was always a losing proposition. Smith showed in Game 6 that he was nothing more than a fourth option on a true championship contender.

Fast forward to Phil Jackson’s tenure, and the Knicks traded both J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to the Cleveland Cavaliers. There, they played pivotal roles in helping LeBron James lead the Cavs to a championship, including playing a key part in the historic 3-1 comeback against the Warriors which I already have mentioned before.

Matter of fact let’s hear Stephen A crash out on Phil Jackson again:

What Went Wrong? The Knicks Failed Melo

People love to blame Melo for the Knicks failures, but let’s be real management never gave him a real chance. It all started with the trade that brought him to New York and James Dolan strong-arming Knicks management in trade negotiations.

Did Melo Force His Way to the Knicks? Yes. But the Knicks Didn’t Have to Overpay Melo wanted to be a Knick.

He could have waited until free agency in 2011, signed with New York outright, and kept all the assets the Knicks had. But he prioritized getting his money under the old CBA and forced a trade at the February 2011 deadline.

The problem? The Knicks didn’t have to give up as much as they did. Denver had no leverage, yet New York handed over Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, and multiple picks. Had they kept those assets, maybe they could have gone after Chris Paul and given Melo the co-star he needed.

And let’s not forget Leon Rose, the current Knicks president, helped orchestrate this trade as Melo’s agent. Even after gutting the roster, the Knicks still had chances to build a contender around Melo. Instead, they made one disastrous move after another:

2011: Used their one-time amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups, not Amari Stoudemire, to sign Tyson Chandler. This killed their future cap flexibility. I understand why I don’t Amnesty Amari, morally he’s the guy who started that run of getting players to want to come to New York.

2013: The trade for Andrea Bargnani in 2013 is widely regarded as one of the worst in Knicks history, at least that’s the worst trade I’ve ever seen the Knicks do. New York sent a first-round pick and multiple players to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for the underperforming big man, who had been dealing with injuries and was well past his prime. Bargnani, known for his poor defense and lackluster rebounding, never lived up to expectations, averaging just 13.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in his two seasons with the Knicks. The trade not only gave up valuable assets especially a first-round picks (one turning into an asset Raptors used to trade for Kawhi Leonard) but it also significantly hampered the team flexibility and future. In hindsight, the move is seen as a desperate, misguided attempt to add scoring without considering the team actual needs, and it set the franchise back for years.

2014: Hired Phil Jackson, who immediately tried to force Melo into the Triangle Offense. Phil Jackson is the worst president of basketball operations in the history of the New York Knicks franchise.

2015: Traded J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert for essentially nothing while handing LeBron and his cronies a championship with Carmelo Anthony teammates.

2016: The 2016 signing of Joakim Noah to a four-year, $72 million deal stands as one of the most disastrous contracts in Knicks history. At the time, Noah was dealing with persistent injuries, and his skills had significantly declined from his Defensive Player of the Year peak. The Knicks handed him a lucrative deal based on his reputation rather than his current abilities, and Noah never delivered on that promise. He played just 53 games in his first two seasons, averaging a mere 5.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. The signing added to a long list of poor financial decisions in Knicks history, joining the likes of Charles Smith, Jerome James, and Antonio McDyess as some of the worst contracts the franchise has ever handed out or had on their roster. The Noah deal not only tied up valuable cap space but also contributed to the Knicks ongoing struggles with roster construction and financial flexibility. The Knicks had to pay Noah for years even after he left which is embarrassing after stretching his contract under the old CBA.

In five years, Melo played for four different head coaches and had 70 different teammates. What superstar is winning under those circumstances?

The roster issues was on management and some of the coaching issues were on Melo. He never meshed with Mike D’antoni, who wanted to use him as a point forward instead of letting him just get buckets. If Melo had been more willing to adjust, maybe things work out differently. Carmelo ultimately would’ve been a great power forward in his later years, I wish Mike had another method to his madness to convince Carmelo switching positions was better for the team and not for himself.

Even after Mike left, it wasn’t like things got better. The Knicks cycled through Mike Woodson, Derek Fisher, Kurt Rambis, and eventually Jeff Hornacek. No continuity, no stability. How you going to draft Carmelo Anthony Kristaps Porzingis at that time of Carmelo prime and tell him go hoop? At least add some more wings and stability with that roster and maybe Carmelo could’ve had a chance to win with Porzingis.

Also let’s not forget one of the dumbest moments in Knicks playoff history Amar’e punching a fire extinguisher in 2012, sidelining himself for the rest of the series against Miami.

Moving on to the following season just to explain in detail the Knicks 2013 playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round, that was a crushing blow and felt like a shot to the private parts.

To be more specific the memorable (maybe the death of Knicks Tape) Game 6 moment when Roy Hibbert iconic block on Carmelo Anthony denied New York a chance to tie the game late.

The Knicks struggled throughout the series, with key players like Tyson Chandler battling injuries and Amar’e Stoudemire hobbled by knee issues that limited his effectiveness. Chandler a defensive presence was greatly diminished, and Stoudemire, once a key scorer, was unable to provide the offensive boost the Knicks needed. Matter of fact Tyson Chandler got destroyed that series by Hibbert

Despite Melo heroic efforts, the Knicks were ultimately outmatched by the Paul George lead Pacers defense and physicality, and injuries to crucial players compounded the team inability to make a deep postseason run, leading to a disappointing exit.

Melo best years in New York were 2012-14, and instead of capitalizing on them, the Knicks burned every bridge possible. By the time Phil Jackson was running the show, they were trying to force Melo out, despite signing him to a five-year, $124 million extension in 2014.

Even through all the dysfunction, Melo never ran from the pressure. He put up career-best efficiency numbers in 2013-14, nearly carried the Knicks to the playoffs in 2014, and remained the one thing keeping them from complete irrelevance.

Now, lets zoom out. Melo isn’t just one of the best Knicks ever he’s one of the best scorers in NBA history.

When Melo retired his numbers stood as:

9th all-time in scoring (28,289 points)

10x All-Star

6x All-NBA selection

3x Olympic Gold Medalist (most in USA history)

He is literally one of the top 10 scorers to ever play the game. That alone should get his jersey retired.

Other Franchises Retire Jerseys for various reasons

If you need more proof, just look at other teams:

Marc Gasol (Grizzlies) No MVP, no scoring titles, 1 championship with the Raptors, but Memphis retired his number. No disrespect to Gasol but neither he or his brother can shine Melo shoes

Chris Webber (Kings) No championship, but he made Sacramento relevant while being dominant during his time with the Kings. He also got cheated out of a championship vs the Lakers.

Vince Carter (Raptors) long NBA career played for multiple teams half man half amazing never won a championship.

If they can honor their guys, the Knicks can honor Melo.

The Verdict: Retire No. 7

Was it perfect tenure on the Knicks? No. But he never quit on the team, never ran from the challenge, and remains the best Knick of the 21st century.

Put No. 7 in the rafters where it belongs.

Thankyou for reading another State article peace and blessings reader.