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New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has insisted that there are no problems between him and Tim Hardaway Jr despite reports to the contrary on Wednesday.
According to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, the pair have a poor relationship and things came to a head during the loss to the Brooklyn Nets last week where Melo reportedly said he was going to beat his teammate up when they got back to the locker room after the game.
The sense of frustration stemmed from Hardaway shouting out “get the rebound” from the bench during the game and Anthony took exception to it. However, although both insist that they are still close, they did confirm that they argued.
“Me and Tim have no problems,” Anthony said.
“Tim is a guy who I always wrapped my arm around and put under my wing from Day 1, helped him through times when he’s been down, and I will continue doing that.”
Added Hardaway Jr.: “We’re brothers. Brothers argue in the heat of the moment and then they make up. It’s just that simple. I look at Melo as a mentor.”
The Knicks held a players-only meeting last Saturday at the team facility as they continue to struggle this season, and their woes continued with a 10th straight loss after defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night which leaves them at 4-20 for the season.
They are off to the worst 24-game start in franchise history and Broussard also claimed that the players are beginning to grow tired of the triangle offense and feel as though it is the key area of their struggles.
However, Anthony denied that report too and insisted that the players are still committed to the system, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee an upturn in results with the 30-year-old currently sidelined with a knee injury while JR Smith was also absent on Wednesday with a sore left heel.
Broussard claimed that Anthony is at the heart of the team discord this season and rookie coach Derek Fisher certainly has a difficult situation on his hands as he looks to lead the team out of their current mess.
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