Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Knicks Trading Carmelo Anthony To Clippers Could Be A Blessing

By Robbie Stratakos

Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) walks onto the court prior to taking on the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) walks onto the court prior to taking on the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Dec 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) heads down court in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Nuggets won 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) heads down court in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Nuggets won 106-102. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Jamal Crawford Is A Scoring Punch

Like Rivers, Crawford signed a three-year deal in the summer, but for roughly $14 million a year, as opposed to $12 million. He also has an opt out in his deal after year two which gives him the option to test free agency. For the foreseeable future though, Crawford is still one of the best sixth men in the NBA; he can score in a bevy of ways. He is a perimeter threat, he can score off the dribble, is a knockdown free throw shooter, and  also has great handles.

He’s a player who attracts attention from opposing defenses. Getting Crawford would be great for the Knicks, and while the pick they’d be getting wouldn’t be great, it’s still an asset down the line. The biggest question in all of this though is how would this deal impact Kristaps Porzingis?

The Growth Of Kristaps Porzingis

The Knicks appear ready to begin building their team around big man Kristaps Porzingis, as he’s taken the next step in his game this year. The one flaw in his game though is that he isn’t adapt to making his own shot yet. He’s a threat from the perimeter and in the paint, but he’s not a post presence, and he tends to struggle when double teamed. That is what made Carmelo Anthony so valuable to this team.

Anthony attracts a ton of attention from defenses which allows Porzingis to get good open looks. Without Anthony, Porzingis isn’t the same player, which is why it’s imperative for the Knicks to get guys who can put the ball in the cup if they’re going to trade Anthony.

Crawford can attract attention, and if given the chance, Rivers may as well.

Home/Carmelo Anthony