The impact of Carmelo Anthony’s decision on the New York Knicks

Apr 6, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) walks back to the bench during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Miami won 102-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

What will happen if Carmelo leaves New York?

Whether or not you are in the “Knicks should let Melo walk” camp or the “Please stay Melo” camp, Carmelo Anthony leaving the Knicks would have negative repercussions on the franchise that the 30 year old forward all but forced his way too just over two and a half years ago.  The most obvious of those being that the New York Knicks would almost certainly be left with nothing to show for a player that team mortgaged its future to acquire.  In addition to being left at the alter the Knicks and their fan base  would suffer a major blow to their collective psyche. For a team and a fan base that has been waiting to clear the books in order to make another run at assembling what has become to be known as a super team, the feeling of “why not us” would be present in everybody who calls themselves a New York Knicks fan.  A lot of this would come in the form of instant Melo bashing by spurned Knicks fans, which would be understandable, but at the end of the day when you sift through all the noise, the prevailing feeling for Knicks fans would be pain.

But let’s not panic just yet, because even if Melo decides to part ways with the Knicks there would be a light at the end of the tunnel.

The days of building your team through the draft are over, at least for big market clubs like the Knicks.  Although most NBA fans loathed “The Decision”, what Lebron James and Chris Bosh did when they decided to join Dwyane Wade down in South Beach during the summer of 2010 changed the league forever.  And this is where things start to work in the Knicks favor.

When all the pieces finally fell into place bringing Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler together if someone had told you that the team would win ONE playoff series during their run you would think they were crazy.  But fast-forward to present day and after a few injuries to Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, and the Knicks inability to find a point guard that isn’t one Krispy Kreme away from being out of the league things just have not worked out.

But as I mentioned previously, the way the league operates post-decision is different than ever before.  Teams like the Knicks, who play in desirable markets will always have a chance (assuming they have cap space) to re-load.  If this was the Milwaukee Knicks we were talking about, well then I would be telling you that we’re in for a long road of losing.  But luckily for Knicks fans, these are the NEW YORK KNICKS, and despite being a punchline today, things can change fast. Especially when you have an owner who’s only redeeming quality is that he does not mind opening up the wallet.

So if July 1st comes and Carmelo walks away be upset/angry/frustrated, but know that it’s going to be ok.  With no Melo on the court the Knicks would almost certainly be headed for the 2015 draft lottery, in which they actually have a first round pick.  Considering what would likely be a high draft pick, along with almost zero money on the books for the following season, the Knicks would be in a position to assemble another team that has a chance at making a run.

So do not panic Knicks fans.  Come July 1st, or shortly thereafter, we will know the fate of Carmelo Anthony. But regardless of what decision Melo makes, better days are ahead.