On February 21, 2011, trade rumors surrounding NBA superstar and former Syracuse University standout Carmelo Anthony culminated in a blockbuster trade to the New York Knicks. Melo, previously of the Denver Nuggets, originally hails from New York City. Melo seems pleased with the trade. The Knicks, who also pick up Denver native Chauncey Billups, have worked hard this year to create a name for themselves. In the trade deal the Knicks will lose starters Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Will "the thrill" Chandler, as well as rookie 7'0" center Timofey Mozgov. To many Knicks fans, this trade is bittersweet, and does not come without sacrifice. These four individuals have given their all to make the self titled "New" New York Knicks the playoff contenders that they are today.
However, with the recent acquisition of Carmelo Anthony, along with Billups, the starting lineup of the Knicks looks much different from before. It will consist of SF Anthony, SG Billups, SF Stoudemire, C Ronny Turiaf, and phenom rookie guard Landry Fields.
The Denver Nuggets also get the Knicks 2014 first round draft pick out of the deal, as well as a cool 3 million dollars.
I'm sure superstar forward and current leader of the "New" New York Knicks Amar'e Stoudemire has no problem sharing the spotlight with Melo. Stoudemire, an MPV contender as well as one of the best forwards in the league, has laid the groundwork for the Knicks this year and has lit a fire under them that doesn't seem to be going out anytime soon. Add Melo and Billups to the mix and that's like pouring gasoline on the fire.
The "New..New" New York Knicks play the Milwaukee Bucks on February 23, 2011 at Madison Square Garden, and Anthony posts a double double of 27 points, 10 rebounds, leading the Knicks in scoring to a 114-108 victory. Melo was welcomed with open arms by thousands of local fans who have dreamt of Melo returning to New York ever since his time at Syracuse University, when Melo brought his team to a 2003 NCAA Division 1 Championship.
The New York Knicks play the Miami Heat tonight at 8:00, and will mark Melo's national television debut with the Knicks. Melo and Stoudemire have nothing to worry about, as the Heat's "big three" of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James are definitely going to be thinking twice tonight as the Knicks press on in one of the most exciting seasons for New York since former NBA superstar point guard Walt "Clyde" Frazier lead the Knicks in scoring and brought them to a '70 and '73 NBA World Championships. The Knicks are electrified once again.
-C.T. Minardi
