5 Reasons the New York Knicks Are Carmelo Anthony's Team Through and Through

Many of the Knicks' moves clearly favor Carmelo Anthony
Elsa/Getty Images

In the NBA, every elite team seems to have at least one superstar that serves as the face of the franchise. 

Often times, teams will look to build their franchise around this one star player; they will make moves that benefit their go-to guy with a bit of disregard for the impact the move might have on other members of the team. 

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks seem to fit this mold quite well.  When looking at some recent moves made by the Knicks, it seems as though many decisions are made almost entirely to please Anthony.  One could go so far as to say, without much doubt, that the Knicks are "Carmelo's team".

Reason 1: Tyson Chandler

Chandler seems to benefit Carmelo more so than other Knicks players
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

While looking to strengthen their team with new players a few years ago, it seems that the Knicks began to make moves within the organization that most benefited Anthony—it also seems that these moves hurt other players on the squad. 

For example, in December 2011, the Knicks were able to sign free-agent Tyson Chandler. The Knicks saw Chandler as a defensive presence and another big man to have down low, clearly an asset to Carmelo and the team overall. 

But throughout the 2012 season, it did not appear that Amar'e Stoudemire benefited much from Chandler's presence. 

In fact, while Carmelo had no problem getting off around 20-30 shots a game with Chandler, Stoudemire's offense seemed to be negatively affected.  He averaged 17.5 points per game in 47 games last season, down nearly four points from his career average.

Reason 2: Mike D'Antoni

D'Antoni and Anthony didn't get along too well
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

After a mediocre start to the 2011-2012 season, Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni resigned midway through the season.  He and Carmelo Anthony were clashing at the time, and Carmelo was rather open in expressing his preference for current Knicks coach Mike Woodson. 

Anthony denied playing a role in D'Antoni's resignation and the Knicks claimed it was a move to benefit the entire team.  But would New York have kept a head coach that seemed to constantly butt heads with the franchise player? 

It is very possible that Carmelo's general disapproval of D'Antoni was a big factor that led to D'Antoni's departure from the Knicks.

Reason 3: Jeremy Lin

Lin electrified Knicks fans and the country before the Knicks refused to give him a big deal
Scott Halleran/Getty Images

Towards the end of the 2011-2012 season, Jeremy Lin and "Linsanity" rocked New York Knicks basketball.

I hope that we don't need a refresher on Linsanity, as Lin burst onto the scene helping the Knicks win several games as the whole world was made aware of the events. 

Interestingly enough, the Knicks, who had initially planned to match any offer up to $1 billion for Lin in the 2012 offseason, made no move after the Rockets presented Lin with a deal.

After these events transpired, talks surfaced that Carmelo did not necessarily want Lin back on the team.  Perhaps Carmelo felt threatened by Linsanity, and the Knicks front office was acting to keep their beloved superstar happy.

Reason 4: Knicks' Guards

Felton meshes well with Anthony
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Knicks have acquired a number of point guards over the past year or so.  Raymond Felton, Pablo Prigioni and Jason Kidd all come to mind. 

One thing that these guards all have in common is that they are in the latter stages of their career and seem to favor passing, more so than shooting. 

What better way for Carmelo to get off over 20 shots a game than with guards that won't shoot much?  The Knicks seem to rely on an offense that runs through Carmelo.  The players on their roster and the plays they run all seem to be designed with Carmelo's well-being in mind. 

Reason 5: Carmelo's Relationship with Knicks' Owner James Dolan

Knicks owner James Dolan "looks out for Anthony"
Chris Trotman/Getty Images

The Knicks' owner, James Dolan, plays a role in almost every move the New York franchise makes.  He looks for players and coaches, tracks free agents and is constantly in the ear of Knicks GM Glen Grunwald. 

It only makes sense then that Dolan's affection for Carmelo Anthony would lead him to make moves that clearly benefit the superstar player over other members of the Knicks. 

In fact, Carmelo has even stated that he has "an owner that looks out for [him]".  For this and the other reasons mentioned, it appears that the Knicks really are "Carmelo's team".