It's been a tough season for New York Knicks fans. Phil Jackson hasn't made any magic happen in the front office, there's already been a major coaching change, and the team is 12 games under .500. Given all that, it's understandable why some fans may be frustrated. But don't bring your complaints to New York's star himself.
Carmelo Anthony decided to pass the buck along to New York Knicks management when confronted by a heckler during Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
"Look, the owner's right there," Anthony said to the outspoken fan, who was sitting near owner James Dolan. "Ask for your money back."
New York's 104-85 thumping on Tuesday marked their 15th loss in their last 18 games and their second consecutive defeat. Overall, the Knicks sit just 25-37, a poor enough record to make any fan upset.
"He kept calling my name, calling my name, saying, 'You guys suck, you guys suck,'" Anthony said after the game. "At that point, I was trying to gather myself, and I turned around. All I did was point at Dolan and told 'Look, the owner's right there. Ask for your money back.' He's calling me and telling me he's never coming to another game and we suck. Just don't want to hear that. I pointed to the owner and told him, 'You deal with that with him. Maybe you can get your money back.'"
The fan was reportedly escorted out of the stadium by security following the exchange.
His frustration, while poorly expressed, is understandable. Since the 2013-2014 season, the Knicks have posted a lowly .353 winning percentage. Since Anthony arrived in New York during the 2010-2011 season, the Knicks have made the playoffs three times, winning just one series.
Beyond their win-loss record, the Knicks have had trouble maintaining any semblance of stability during the Melo era. The team is on its fourth head coach since 2008, only one of which left with a winning record (Mike Woodson). That doesn't fall on Anthony's shoulders, though it is rumored that he's had friction with certain coaches behind the scenes.
For what it's worth, Anthony has been playing solid ball this season, even though his scoring average is the lowest it has been since the 2004-2005 season. He's averaging 21.5 points per game, 8.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists. For fans looking for additional hope, rookie Kirstaps Porzingis appears to be an emerging star. The young big man is averaging 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game.
