New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has conceded that he did question his decision to sign a long-term contract with the franchise after a dismal season this year.
READ MORE:
Carroll to consider Knicks in free agency: Hawks star open to switch.
Fisher won’t apologise for Knicks win: Late streak could have jeopardised Draft lottery chances.
Monroe denies Knicks deal is done: Pistons star says no agreement has been reached.
Anthony signed a five-year deal worth $124m last summer as he committed his long-term future to the franchise despite interest from the likes of the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers during free agency.
That decision appeared to backfire on him after the Knicks went 17-65 this year, the worst season in franchise history, which led to several changes on the roster as they look ahead to a bigger rebuild this summer.
While the general consensus is that the team remains positive that they can turn things around with their Draft pick and moves in free agency, Anthony admits that he did second-guess his decision to stay as the likes of JR Smith, Iman Shumpert and Amar’e Stoudemire all headed for the exit door.
“I try to keep myself from thinking like that. But as a human being, those thoughts definitely come into play. You sit down at night and you’re thinking, ‘Did I really make the right decision?’ and just things like that,” Anthony told reporters, according to the New York Times.
“Not often did I think about that. There was one point in time this season where it was just cloudy and I didn’t really have any clarity; I was second-guessing what I did and the decision I made. But after that, I was smooth sailing.”
Anthony played in just 40 games this past season as he was plagued by knee soreness throughout the campaign, and he eventually opted to shut it down shortly after the All-Star break in February.
While he will look ahead to rehab after knee surgery, the Knicks are projected to have around $25m in salary cap space this summer and will have a top-five pick in the Draft.
The 30-year-old added that he remains confident in team president Phil Jackson to turn things around even if that means becoming the second option on the team, while also stating that he would be happy to play a role in recruiting free agents.
The Knicks have been linked with numerous names already this year, but it is expected that they will be targeting some of the younger free agents on the market with a view of rebuilding for their long-term future rather than seeking out an immediate fix.
COMMENTS