New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony defended his comments about walking away from the game without an NBA title in an Instagram post.
This week, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony set the media ablaze with his comments about feeling good about his basketball career with a college championship and three gold medals, per ESPN’s Marc Stein:
"Most athletes don’t have an opportunity to say that they won a gold medal, better yet three gold medals. I would be very happy walking away from the game knowing that I’ve given the game everything I have, knowing I played on a high level at every level: high school, college, won [a championship at Syracuse] in college and possibly three gold medals.I can look back on it when my career is over — if I don’t have an NBA championship ring — and say I had a great career."
Anthony’s comments prompted ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith to go off on someone he knows personally off the court:
While it’s not comfortable for fans to hear their star player admit comfort in walking away from the game without an NBA title, we’re not completely sure what question Anthony responded to in the interview. He alludes to the context in an Instagram post where he frames a conversation between himself and LeBron James:
Essentially, Anthony let’s you know he didn’t voluntarily offer these comments as a matter of fact in a candid interview. According to the context of his Instagram post, he responded to a question.
It’s worth noting, Anthony clearly states he plays every year for an NBA Championship, per Stein:
"Of course, because we play in the NBA that’s always the goal: to win an NBA championship. But every year [there’s] a new champion, so you have an opportunity to compete for a championship every year. This is every four years."
Anthony let his guard down and decided to share his perception on a lengthy NBA career sans a championship as a hypothetical. He’d obviously like to go to a NBA Finals and win one, but if he doesn’t, it’s not a failed career.
If the Knicks star becomes the first men’s basketball player to win three gold medals, he should celebrate the feat. Does it replace winning an NBA title? Absolutely not. However, with respect to his personal achievements, he could accomplish something that sets him apart in another aspect.
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The pundits will use Anthony’s quotes to question his desire but deep down the Knicks forward understands the reality, which hardcore fans tend to ignore.
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers could battle for the next few NBA titles, and the Knicks may come away with nothing by the time Anthony’s retirement. It sounds like nails on the chalkboard to diehard fans, but the cold-water truth may be too much to swallow.
Anthony’s desire didn’t drop or increase during his trip to Rio De Janeiro, but he went too far down a personal realistic route for fan base starving for a championship.