Carmelo Anthony has been at the center of the storm all season with the New York Knicks. His relationship with former coach Mike D'Antoni was scrutinized. His role in the rise of Jeremy Lin, and his ability to co-exist with Lin have been talked about. His feelings about new coach Mike Woodson are a topic of interest. Can he lift the Knicks by himself with Amare Stoudemire, Lin and Jared Jeffries ailing?
Anthony addressed all of these topics Tuesday during a radio appearance on ESPN New York with The Michael Kay Show. Sports Radio Interviews has the transcript. Excerpts after the jump.
How much pressure is on you with Amar’e Stoudemire out?
"I wouldn’t call it pressure. [Laughs] [Michael Kay: How much responsibility?] Oh it’s a lot. It’s a lot. It’s a team. I am not the only one on a team. A moment like this is where it becomes fun. I have been around this league for eight years. This is my ninth season, so I’ve been in situations like this before and it’s a very fun time. It’s a very fun situation to be in. Of course we would like it a little bit better where we are not fighting for it to solidify a spot, but at times like this it becomes fun."
What has been the biggest difference with Mike Woodson as head coach? Why have you guys seemed to come together more since Mike D’Antoni left as head coach?
“I think now guys – we was almost forced to come together as a team and we was under the gun when he [Mike Woodson] came on. The biggest thing now is he holds guys accountable on the basketball court regardless of who it is like myself, Amar’e, Tyson [Chandler], Jeremy [Lin]. Regardless of who it is he holds guys accountable. That’s big especially in this day and age.”
Did you fit into Mike D’Antoni’s system?
“Well I had to adjust. It was an adjustment period. It was an adjustment period for myself, which I didn’t have a problem with doing. It just so happened he stepped down. We would never know if it would have worked out or not.”
It seemed like there was more urgency under Mike Woodson. Did you guys just stop playing for Mike D’Antoni? Did it seem like it was not going to work out with you guys and Mike D’Antoni?
“No not at all. Not at all. I think once Coach Woodson took over like I said we was kind of under the gun. Our backs were against the wall and we had to figure out a team identity that we have been searching for this whole short season. Right now it seems like we found that identity.”