Carmelo Anthony Responds to Charles Barkley’s Criticism

Carmelo Anthony is no stranger to criticism in New York, and NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley has been the latest person to criticize the Knicks’ All-Star.

During the Knicks’ game against the Kings. Barkley said the Anthony needs to be a better leader for New York, which is something that Anthony took offense too.

Also on Empire Writes Back: Who is the Greatest Knicks PG of All-Time?

“I don’t know how [to be a better leader],’’ said Anthony to Marc Berman of the New York Post. “I don’t know how to be a better leader than what I’m already doing. A lot of people interpret it in different ways.

“That’s what irks me and gets on my nerves more than anything. How can you tell somebody that they’re not a leader? You’re not around me. I’ve never met you before. You know nothing about me except what you’re seeing on the basketball court the couple of minutes of the games you actually watch. Someone [like that] to tell me I need to be a better leader?’’

The comparisons to LeBron James are always going to be there for Anthony since they were drafted the same season, and play the same position, but the two friends are very different people.

More from Carmelo Anthony

• New York Knicks: The Underappreciation of Carmelo Anthony
• Phil Jackson Leaves the New York Knicks with Baggage That Is Unknown
• Knicks Rumors: Boston Celtics Becoming More Interested in Carmelo Anthony
• Carmelo Anthony Backed By NBPA After Phil Jackson Comments
• Knicks Rumors: Team Committed To Trading Carmelo Anthony In Summer

“LeBron gets angry — I can’t do that. It wouldn’t even feel right to curse my teammates out on the bench or on the court. It’s not even who I am. Me and my teammates have conversations and players-only meetings. I speak up and I’m heard. The problem is everyone’s trying to compare you to the next person.”

It has not been an easy last few days for Anthony, as he recently made his feelings known about the lack of calls he gets from the referees. The final play against the Kings created a lot of controversy, as Anthony was fouled on the play, but many wanted to see him pass the ball instead to Kristaps Porzingis.

More from Empire Writes Back

• Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
• Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
• Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
• PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
• Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!

“We actually showed it on the bus,’’ Anthony said to Berman. “Hindsight is always 20-20. In my mind, did I want to take the last shot? Of course. Once I got my arm grabbed, at that point of time, everything else goes out the window even if I wanted to throw it to KP. It was an impossible pass to make. Everybody always says what you coulda, shoulda done after the fact. I was so focused on getting my arm back. There was no way I could’ve seen him.’’

The Knicks are in the midst of a very rough stretch, as, before their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Knicks have lost eight of their last 10 games. The Knicks need Anthony to be able to put these issues behind him and help get the team back on track.