March 5, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) points to the stands before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Madison Square Garden. Credit required: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
A few thoughts/comments on the former Knicks star Carmelo Anthonywho retired earlier this week after 19 seasons in the NBA:
Every Knick fan has their own thoughts on Anthony’s legacy in New York. I have shared some of myself Here. Whatever you think of Anthony’s performance during his more than seven seasons as a Knick, one fact is undeniable: Anthony has made a notable impact on hundreds of New Yorkers through his charity work.
A study by the Boston Globe found that the Carmelo Anthony The Foundation has been among the most successful and well-run charities associated with a professional athlete. The article states that the bulk of the money raised by Anthony’s foundation comes from Anthony himself. So overhead is low and most of the money raised goes directly to benefit the community.
The local community benefited greatly from Anthony’s time in New York. Whether it was Christmas DayWhether it was Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, the first week of school, or the aftermath of a hurricane, Anthony’s foundation helped people across the greater area.
Those close to him say Anthony was a fixture too local basketball courts and boxing gyms across the city.
“He wasn’t too big to make a name for himself on the local sporting scene and give people a boost” Stuart Goldcolor, who started a venture capital firm with Anthony, says. “The fact that he’s comfortable going to regular community gyms and training there or working with young boxers is incredible to me.”
Goldfarb said the court’s findings did not affect Anthony’s actions in the community.
“I’ve been with a lot of stars and famous people and most of the time they have a hard time not feeling bitter when things aren’t going well; and I’ve never seen Melo bitter,” says Goldfarb. “He is always grateful for the gifts that are given to him.”
We’ll all discuss Anthony’s Knick legacy – the wins, the losses, the performances – but he’s made a remarkable impression off the pitch.
Will #7 retire?
Speaking of debates, there was a passionate debate over whether Anthony’s number should be retired. I don’t know if it will end up in the rafters or not. What I know: Prior to Anthony’s announcement, there was strong support at Madison Square Garden for the number to be discontinued. No decision has been made yet. I assume that the final decision will be made by the team governor James Dolan.
Anthony’s Knicks made the playoffs three times and advanced once to the first round. He led the Knicks into the postseason and had some fantastic regular seasons for the club. But if his number gets retired, wouldn’t the Knicks have to think about players like him? Alan Houston And John Starks, who were key players on teams that consistently won and reached the NBA Finals? I would say Charles Oakley in that group, but his lawsuit against Dolan and MSG will end any discussion of terminating his number.
How about Bernhard Koenig? If Anthony’s number is retired, should King get the same honor?
Here’s a hypothesis: if Julius Randle If Randle makes a few more All-Star teams and All-NBA teams as a Knick, and the team wins a few more playoff series during that time, wouldn’t Randle have a valid case for a jersey resignation?
What about the five-time All-Star? Carl Brown? Six-time All-Star Richie Guerin? Seven-time All-Star Harry Gallatin?
The Knicks currently have nine players/coaches honored in the MSG Rafter. Outside of Dick McGuire And Patrick EwingAll of these players/coaches have won at least one title with the Knicks.
If the franchise retires Anthony’s number, it will at least open up the conversation for several other Knicks.