The New York Knicks' terrible season only seems to be getting worse. While the team continues to lose, frustration is running high with its biggest star. Carmelo Anthony has been vocal about his displeasure with the franchise but has stated that he is committed to sticking things out. After a comment to a heckling fan blew up all over the media, Anthony's teammates are now coming to his defense.
Anthony told a heckling fan to take their frustrations to owner James Dolan and ask for their money back as the Knicks were getting blown out by the Portland Trail Blazers. That was not taken kindly in the media, forcing Anthony to backtrack on the comment and issue an apology. The forward made it clear that he did not think he did anything wrong in the moment but issued the apology after Dolan requested it.
"It was a collaborative effort, though," Anthony said. "We sat down and we talked about it. Everybody thought it was a good idea to send that apology. It was Mr. Dolan's decision."
New York has lost 15 of their last 18 games, so it is understandable why frustrations are running high. Anthony is getting the brunt of the criticism as he tries to remain upbeat and optimistic about the Knicks' future. Not present at the team's charity bowling tournament, players came to Anthony's defense over the whole issue. Rookie Kristaps Porizingis has referred to Anthony as a great mentor, and he feels bad for the leader of the team after all of the drama.
"Of course it's difficult [to see]. You feel bad for your leader," Porzingis said. "He's been doing everything for us. He's been scoring, he's been rebounding, he's been playing really good and we want to step up and play at his level and we want to help him win games."
The forced apology from Dolan shows that there is a disconnect between Anthony and the front office. The forward has a no-trade clause in his contract, but there is some concern that it could be waived this offseason as Anthony seeks a move from New York. Right now, the Knicks are a sinking ship that continues to take on water. The franchise star is currently in the second year of a five-year, $124 million deal. Those numbers will go a long way in deciding what happens to Anthony this summer.
"It tests you," Anthony said. "It tests your positivity. It tests you emotionally, psychologically. At the end of the day it falls on me. I accept that."
