Carmelo Anthony Reveals Why He is Returning to the Knicks
Carmelo Anthony is revealing why he has decided to re-sign with the New York Knicks after hearing a number of pitches from other teams while becoming an unrestricted free agent.
Anthony, the 30-year-old forward is a pure scorer who has played both the 3 and 4 positions. While the New York born and Baltimore-bred Anthony joined the Knicks three years ago, he had the opportunity to be courted by a number of teams after the 2013-2014 season ended along with his contract.
Now, he is officially re-joining the Knicks for at least four years, and letting the world know why.
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"A few years ago I dreamed of coming back to New York City, the place of my birth, and on February 23, 2011 that became a reality. This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team," Anthony wrote on his website. "At this pivotal juncture in my career, I owed it to myself and my family to explore all of the options available to me. Through it all, my heart never wavered."
While it seems Anthony enjoyed being a free agent, he revealed that he looks forward to working with the newly acquired team president, Phil Jackson.
"I will always remember this chapter in my life. In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart. I am looking forward to continue my career in Orange & Blue and to work with Phil Jackson, a champion who builds championship teams," he said in the statement. " Madison Square Garden is the mecca of basketball and I am surrounded by the greatest fans in the world."
Anthony was being pursued by the likes of organizations like the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers. After meeting with each team last week, Anthony said he was grateful for the opportunity.
"During this journey I met with some quality organizations who have amazing talent and leadership," he wrote in a personal statement on his website. "I thank them for their consideration, belief in my talent, and opportunity to imagine the possibilities. I will always remember this chapter in my life."
Phil Jackson, the retired Bulls and Lakers championship-winning coach turned Knicks' president, expressed his excitement about Anthony's return to the team under his leadership.
"After three months of questions around Carmelo Anthony's return to the New York Knicks we are now happy to know that we have the cornerstone of what we envision as a 'team of excellence,'" Jackson said in a statement, according to ESPN.
