Carmelo Anthony expressed his thoughts on the Knicks draft and offseason acquisitions, leaving little doubt surrounding his feelings about the organization. In the midst of a Team USA minicamp in Las Vegas, Anthony addressed the swirling rumors regarding his opinions on New York’s rebuilt roster.
"Honestly, I thought we did a great job just as far as putting the pieces that we need to put together," Anthony told reporters in Las Vegas. "We didn't get DeAndre [Jordan], we didn't get LaMarcus [Aldridge] and Greg Monroe, but [Robin] Lopez is a great addition. Arron Afflalo, I played with him a long time in Denver. [Kyle] O'Quinn is a great pickup; I think guys will like him. He's a big guy, power forward. Derrick Williams, we're going to get him right. He seemed focused.
The Knicks centerpiece is rehabbing from a surgery to repair a patella injury that took place this past February. Anthony has spent time in New York over the last couple of weeks working out with members of the team, including the No. 4 overall pick, Kristaps Porzingis.
“And then rookies, KP [Porzingis], I had him with me last week working out at my gym. We're just trying to start this thing off right."
Anthony added, "He's a down-to-earth guy, a humble guy. You can tell that he's got a chip on his shoulder, which I love that. ... You kind of have to have that being in New York."
The 31-year old All-Star understands the decision by New York’s front office and president Phil Jackson to select a player with tremendous potential as its 2015 lottery pick.
"When you look at the draft, you want somebody that you can develop right away. Porzingis is a guy who has some upside to him. Did we get one of the top three [draft picks]? No, we didn't get one of the top three. Whoever we drafted, it was going to be an issue anyway. That's just what happens in New York and the draft. But I'm good, man, mentally, physically, spiritually. I'm excited about the new team that we have and I look forward to leading them,” Anthony concluded.
The Knicks leading scorer is cleared for contact and participation in the Team USA minicamp will mostly involve light work. Anthony did tell reporters he expects to participate in five-on-five scrimmages in late August.