Could "Melo to MSG" Signal The Second Coming of Bernard King?
Once upon a time in the 80's, the New York Knickerbockers employed arguably the best small forward in the game. BK doesn't just stand for Brooklyn, it also stands for Bernard King! NOW, BROOKLYN STAND UP!!!! Known for his sweet turnaround jumper and his "ice-grill" gameface, BK devoured MSG and it was delicious. Thanks to a trade from Golden State in 1982, BK was able to return to his place of birth (Brooklyn) and play for his hometown team. He led the league with 32.9 points a game in 1984-85, selected twice to the ALL-NBA team and an All-Star three times. He was feared by opposing players until suffering an ACL tear on March 23, 1985 against Kansas City and lost his explosiveness to the basket and was never the same. BK's departure from the bright lights on Broadway ushered in the Patrick Ewing era, but NY has never been able to duplicate what once was or obtain a player of that magnitude.
Ironically, thirty years later another prodigy is wanting to come home to NY and he knows his way around town. He too is a small forward with a sweet jumpshot and just happens to be from BK. He is 26 years old, same age as King when he returned to NY, and he is an offensive juggernaut. Carmelo Anthony is just what the doctor ordered for the Knickerbockers. Now all James Dolan has to do is take his medicine. Many players would fold under the pressure of playing in the city that never sleeps but Anthony is too "Melo" to have insomnia. Already a star, an NCAA Champion, perennial All-Star and four time All-NBA selection, NY needs to add Melo to the roster to illuminate the whole show. There is no doubt that Melo "has game" and to further prove it, his significant other is named LaLa.
