As the Knicks' season drags on, (and the team tries to find its way into a trade for Rajon Rondo), it becomes more and more apparent that Carmelo Anthony made a serious mistake in re-signing with New York last summer. There were a lot of reasons for Anthony to put his faith in Phil Jackson that still hold true (money, his close relationship with the city, his business interests, money, his comfort there with his family, and money), but the results are the same as the Knicks are 5-22, having one just won one of their past nine games.
Anthony could have joined the Bulls and helped form arguably the best team in the East. He could have gone to Houston and been a part of a Western Conference contender. He could have gone to the Lakers and ... well, been in a pretty similar situation. But at least he wouldn't be alone in terms of star talent, with Kobe Bryant next to him.
But for now, Anthony is adamant he won't consider regrets. Though his language is a little ... uh, sad.
"No, if I start doing that and saying what if to myself and second-guessing and questioning myself, it won't be right," Anthony said. "For me, mentally, it won't be right, so I'll not allow myself to sway toward asking myself what if with this situation or that situation.
"What’s done is done. I kind of don't look at it, I kind of don't think about it anymore. That's in the past for me, just a situation that I had to deal with, that I went through this offseason. As far as now and thinking about that situation, it doesn't even come close to me thinking about that."
via Popper: Carmelo Anthony won't second-guess his Bulls decision -- Sports -- NorthJersey.com.
"What's done is done." That's a ringing endorsement of the plan Phil Jackson has put into motion if I've ever read one.
Anthony's right, though, it won't do any good. And to his credit, Anthony has adamantly denied being willing to waive his no-trade clause in order to be shipped to basketball freedom. Whether he's part of the problem or solution, he's committed to sticking it out with New York, and that's admirable.
But whether it's now, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year or down the line, there's a good chance that Anthony's going to wind up regretting that decision. Phil Jackson and his zen magic might be able to pull a rabbit out of his hat and build a good team through the next few years. Patience is a virtue. But Anthony's options were so good this summer, and his choice so bad, you can't help but feel bad for Melo, the Knicks, and good basketball all over.
