LAS VEGAS — Carmelo Anthony didn’t make any of the three All-NBA teams this season. His playoff record is abysmal, having gotten out of the first round just twice.
Nevertheless, a giddy Derek Fisher said he’s “honored’’ to be coaching Anthony, with the Knicks star finalizing a new five-year contract in excess of $121 million.
“I’m excited and honored to work with one of the greatest players of the last 10 years in the NBA,’’ Fisher said after the Knicks 71-69 summer-league win over Portland, making the new coach 2-0.
Fisher said he’s not shocked Anthony turned down all comers and is re-signing.
“I’m not surprised at all,’’ Fisher said. “[I] always respect the fact as free agent you can choose to go wherever you want to go. Having been in that position before. You can’t assume anything about what a player is going to decide. Melo’s earned that over the first decade of his career that opportunity.’’
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been texting with Anthony throughout the process.
“I’m excited,’’ he said. “He had to make the decision that’s best for him and his family and he made the right one. I definitely think he sees a positive future. It all goes to trust. I was pretty confident when you have a legend in Phil Jackson and veteran and Hall of Famer like Derek Fisher, it’s very hard not to trust them.’’
Anthony could have accepted a lot less money to join the Bulls, whose roster is more capable of winning now.
“If you get paid and win, why not?’’ Anthony’s buddy, Kenyon Martin, said. “It’s not just basketball. It’s a business. The man stayed home.
“He never got to experience free agency,’’ Martin said. “At some point you want to be able to experience that. For the simple fact somebody wants you. To have people court you is a special feeling. He was going to make the right decision for him and his family and I think he did.’’
In the Knicks’ win, Cleanthony Early scored 11 points but shot just 3-of-8 with six rebounds. The Knicks shot just 34.3 percent. Hardaway added 20 points on 6-of-16 shooting. … Martin confirmed a Post report he had surgery on his ankle. The free agent will be back on the court in a month and has eyes of re-signing with the Knicks.