Carmelo Anthony said it’s “very likely” he will shut it down for the season after he plays in Sunday night’s All-Star Game.
Anthony, doing a media tour Thursday, said on ESPN Radio he probably won’t resume the Knicks season when they reconvene next Friday against the Heat due to his knee injury.
After he sat out against Orlando on Wednesday, Anthony said he expected to play in the All-Star Game but wasn’t sure how much. He also said when asked if he would resume the season after, the All-Star break, “I don’t know after that.’’
Anthony said he has tendon damage in his left knee and will need surgery. On SiriusXM Radio, he said he will soon sit down with the Knicks medical staff to map out a game plan. He said this week it would take eight weeks of rehab before he could begin training again on the court.
“It’s a matter of really trying to put everything in perspective and sitting down with the team, sit down with the training staff and doctors and really see exactly what I have going on,” Anthony said Thursday. “How we’re going to take care of it, when I want it to be timed out right so I can still get back on the court in the offseason, train and be ready for training camp next year.’’
The Knicks entered the break with a league-worst 10-43 record with 29 games left to play. It is hard to imagine the Knicks winning many of them. They are 0-13 in the games Anthony has missed. Also, Amar’e Stoudemire’s contract will likely be bought out next week.
Anthony said in late November he’s been bothered by a sore left knee since the season’s second game. On Dec. 9, after a game in New Orleans, he first floated the idea of shutting it down. It will be the third straight season Anthony finished with a significant injury, experiencing shoulder tears the previous two seasons.
Now the Knicks have to hope Anthony, at 30 and just a season into a five-year, $124 million deal, is not a health risk.
Anthony also said on the radio he hopes to play a big role in recruiting free agents this summer, saying he can talk to them “brother to brother.’’ Anthony said last week he hoped to start the process this weekend. Knicks president Phil Jackson, who has at least $30 million of cap room, was signed to a massive $60 million contract by owner James Dolan to be the chief recruiter. But Anthony said he feels he can use some help.
“I want to be involved from the standpoint of letting these guys know I’m a real big part of what we’re trying to build here,’’ Anthony said. “If I’m coming to you, that means I really, really want you. Because I usually don’t do this. If I’m coming to you, I want to be part of what we’re trying to build here. I hope they take that into consideration.
“I come from a player-to-player perspective. I can relate to you, you can relate to me. Rather than sit in a boardroom with 15 people trying to convince you to come here. Let’s go to the side and talk brother to brother. Because we’re both in this league. We’re both players. Let’s talk brother to brother. Let’s keep it real. … Do you like it? Do you want to explore this option?”
Knicks rookie coach Derek Fisher has his work cut out for him after the break as the Knicks look like they will become the franchise’s first 60-loss team.
Almost everyone is available in a trade as Jackson will primarily shop Pablo Prigioni, Andrea Bargnani — who have expiring contracts — and Jose Calderon, who has two years left on his contract but has shown recent improved play.
“We want guys in the locker room who care more about the team than themselves,’’ Fisher said. “That’s what we’re trying to build here. Every decision we make going forward is with that in mind.
“I don’t think the record is necessarily what I’ll reflect on during these nine days. It’s where we are in this process and how far we have to go, not just because of our record but because what we’re trying to do, we’re changing the culture.
“That’s going to take time. I’m still proud of what these guys have done in recent weeks in particular. These guys don’t have the perceived reasons to continue to compete the way they are. Because they feel what’s going on in the locker room, they’re still going out and giving themselves a chance to win every night.’’