September is an odd time in the NBA world. This month represents the calm before the storm and Carmelo Anthony, while all smiles at his basketball camp at Baruch College in New York, made it clear he is prepared for action, as training camp is just 16 days from Saturday.
“I’ve been at the facility for the past couple of weeks with the young guys, with the coaches, trying to figure out the Triangle Offense, just try to get a head start on everything,” Anthony confessed.
The Knicks Summer League squad showcased the famous Triangle Offense throughout the two-week stint in Las Vegas. Anthony was obviously absent from the practices and games but he is now fully focused on the new offensive scheme for the team. One would assume a player with Anthony’s skill set should thrive in the Triangle as he shows similarities to Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant from a pure scoring perspective. In fact, Anthony’s game is tailor made to work in the pinch post, on the blocks, and with his back to the basket to set up shooters around the arc.
“When people say spots, I ‘m going to be all over the floor,” Anthony explained. “I mean, the Triangle, you are all over the floor. It makes it hard to guard, it keeps all eyes off of you. I’m looking forward to this year. I’ve been saying it all summer; I can’t wait.”
The 7-time All-Star faced a major career crossroad this summer. Wooed by some landmark franchises, the free agent decided to re-sign with the Knicks, placing his faith in Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher for the next five years. Admittedly, Anthony was “angry” following the disappointing 37-win season for New York, which led to a shorter break and a quick return to the gym for an aggressive strength and conditioning program.
“I love to workout, I love to train. I think it’s an accumulation of a lot, kind of switching up my eating habits, taking on new workout routines, training a little bit different, trying to test myself and challenge myself differently from a training aspect,” Anthony stated.He revealed, “It wasn’t more about my diet, it was more about the training I was doing, the type of training that I was doing and really pushing myself to that limit and seeing how hard I can go before I start to peak and breakdown and things like that. I feel great. I haven’t felt like this in a long, long time, ever since I came into the league. I feel awesome.”
The Knicks are one of many Eastern Conference squads to undergo a massive overhaul this summer. Cleveland snatched the headlines over the offseason with the acquisitions of LeBron James, Kevin Love, and a group of notable role players. Chicago added Pau Gasol and welcome back Derrick Rose to the lineup. And, there’s the playoff teams returning for another shot at the conference crown as well.
“This year, with Paul George going down it kind of puts everybody at an even point,” Anthony remarked. “Of course, Cleveland is the top runner right now, Chicago will always be there but as far as basketball goes, I’m excited to get back to playing ball because I know what we have with the New York Knicks and we’re only going to get better. So, I’m excited about that.”
Anthony and the Knicks will participate in media day at MSG Training Center on Monday, September 29 before traveling to West Point for training camp. Stay tuned to Knicks.com for comprehensive coverage.