Category: New York Knicks Blog

Carmelo Anthony to undergo season-ending knee surgery

To no one’s surprise, the New York Knicks announced Wednesday that Carmelo Anthony will have season-ending left knee surgery.

The procedure, which will be performed by Team Orthopedist Dr. Answorth Allen, includes a left knee patella tendon debridement and repair.

At 10-43, the Knicks have the worst record in the league. Melo played in 40 of those 53 games, averaging 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 44.4 percent from the field.

The team is focused on summer free agency and the draft, and the future, not present. So there was no need for Anthony to continue playing hurt, even if he was able to do so.

New York Knicks President Phil Jackson announced today that the team has waived forward Amar’e Stoudemire.

“Amar’e’s period as a Knickerbocker has come to pass, at his request. His time here should be marked by recognizing his effort – it was 100-percent,” Jackson said. “As we move forward in structuring this team, we will look for players that exhibit his desire to win.”

According to the New York Daily News, “the Knicks and Stoudemire reached agreement on an undisclosed buyout on the remainder of the veteran big man’s $23.4 million salary for this season to give him a chance to catch on with a playoff contender.

Stoudemire, 6-10, 245-pounds, finished his Knicks career averaging 17.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in 255 games over five seasons, while making three consecutive NBA Playoff appearances from 2011-13. His 4,411 total regular-season points ranks him 36th all-time. In 2011, Stoudemire represented New York at the NBA All-Star Game, becoming the first Knicks player to be named a starter for the Eastern Conference in 14 years, scoring 29 points.

“Everyone here at the Knicks organization appreciates the contribution Amar’e has made to the team and the entire City of New York over the past five seasons,” Knicks General Manager Steve Mills said. “We have developed a relationship that has translated into a long-term friendship, and it will continue through the remainder of his NBA career, and beyond.”

“I feel truly blessed to have been able to play for the incredible New York fans, Mr. Dolan, my coaches, teammates and the entire Knicks organization for the past five years,” Stoudemire said. “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to contribute positively on the court and in the community. Although I leave the Knicks with a heavy heart, I wish the organization the best of luck. Once a Knick always a Knick.”

According to the New York Post, “the Knicks have a roster spot open to sign a D-League player, a free agent or use on a player they acquire to fill their trade exceptions gained in the January trade with the Cavaliers and Thunder. Second-round pick Thanasis Antetkoumnpo, the Greek swingman who has played well for the Westchester affiliate in the D-League, could be a candidate, though he still is viewed as a project.”

Report: Knicks, Amare Stoudemire agree to buyout

Here’s the New York Daily News reporting that the Knicks and Amar’e Stoudemire have agreed to go their separate ways:

Amar’e Stoudemire’s days in New York are over but he could find a new home by the end of the week.

A league source told the Daily News that Stoudemire and the Knicks formally reached a buyout prior to Sunday’s All Star Game and that the six-time All Star, who should clear waivers by Wednesday, could be in a new uniform by the time the league resume on Thursday.

Several teams in the Western Conference are expected to pursue Stoudemire, who would be a solid addition to a playoff team as a reserve. The Dallas Mavericks have already been mentioned as a possible destination. Two others clubs in the West that could be in the running are San Antonio and Golden State.

Here’s the New York Post reporting on the banged-up and possibly soon to be shut down star of the 10-43 Knicks, Carmelo Anthony:

In his latest flip-flop, Anthony backtracked slightly on his impending shutdown, saying he’s not “100 percent’’ sure he is finished after Sunday, and still has to talk to Knicks officials on whether he will play against Miami Friday at the Garden. Eventually, Anthony will need surgery on tendon damage in his left knee.

Anthony said it was “important” to represent the Knicks Sunday for the team’s fans.

“It’s like a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situation,” Anthony said. “Because if I would have said I’m not participating, I’d have gotten backlash about it. I’m saying I’m participating, I get backlash. I’m happy. I’m here participating. It’s here in New York. The fans voted me in and I’m going to play in the game.’’

Charles Oakley no fan of James Dolan

Beloved former New York Knick Charles Oakley, who took no prisoners on the court and is off the court is always ready to get fired up and speak his mind, doesn’t seem to be a big fan of Knicks owner James Dolan. Here’s the New York Daily News reporting:

For all the blood, sweat and tears Charles Oakley sacrificed while wearing a Knicks uniform, the former enforcer has no lost love for owner James Dolan.

“I’m tired of talking about Dolan,” Oakley said at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Times Square Wednesday, when asked about the Garden chairman’s latest gaffe, where Dolan got into an email war with a longtime fan. “He’s that type of dude.”

But when asked about his relationship with Dolan, Oakley ripped into the Knicks owner, and is incredulous as to why Dolan has given one of the franchise’s most popular players the Seventh Avenue Freeze-Out.

“Everybody in New York liked me except this one guy. Why is this?” said Oakley. “Everywhere I talk to people – ‘Why aren’t you working with the Knicks?’ I said I try to. They said, ‘What, is it Dolan?’ I talked to maybe a million people. He’s a bad guy.”

Cleanthony Early wraps up brief D-League trip

New York Knicks rookie forward Cleanthony Early’s trip to the D-League was brief and successful.

Knicks President Phil Jackson announced this morning that the team recalled forward Early from the Westchester Knicks.

Early, 6-8, 220-pounds, made his D-League debut on Friday and Saturday nights, against the Sioux Falls Skyforce at the historic Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY, to average 18.5 points and 11.0 rebounds in 45.2 minutes. He was in uniform for today’s afternoon game versus the Los Angeles Lakers, though Knicks head coach Derek Fisher did not play him.