Carmelo Anthony, sidelined since Feb. 6 with a groin injury, is expected to return late this week, the Knicks announced Monday on Twitter. But can he play with overnight sensation Jeremy Lin? That's a silly question, as far as he is concerned.
Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire Vow To Fit In With Jeremy Lin
“When I’m reading the stuff, it’s more funny than anything because at the end of the day I know what I bring to the game,” Anthony said, according to the NY Daily News. “My teammates know that. But to say, ‘How can I fit in?’ It’s easy -- give him the ball and space out.”
Anthony also added: “I know there’s questions about, ‘Can I fit in?’ and stuff like that, but this is like a dream come true to me. It takes some pressure off of me. I don’t have to play point guard. I don’t have to try to get Amare 20 points, try to get this guy 20 points, me try to go out there and get 25-30 points a night, play defense, rebound do the whole thing.”
Head coach Mike D’Antoni is also convinced Anthony will enhance rather than disrupt the team’s newfound chemistry. “He’s not going to mess it up. I think that’s ludicrous,” D’Antoni said. “I know, until you prove it. This should only enhance what we’re doing.”
Anthony has missed the last four games, but he was on the court during Lin's breakout appearance on Feb. 4 against the Nets. Lin finished that game with 25 points off the bench, while Anthony managed just 11 points. Anthony's low scoring output was the result of a poor shooting night more than anything else, as he shot just 3-of-15 from the field. Two days later during Lin's first career start, Anthony played just six minutes before leaving with injury.
Amar’e Stoudemire, who missed four games following the death of his brother, is also ready to return -- and he’s excited about playing with Lin. From ESPN New York:
“Lin is finding guys out there. He’s playing totally unselfish. He’s taking what the defense gives him. He’s studying, which is what you want from your point guard, a guy who wants to be that facilitator and get guys involved and get guys open shots. He’s passing the ball right on the numbers where guys can catch and shoot. That brings up high-percentage shooting,” Stoudemire said, adding, “This is what we’ve been talking about all year. It’s finally happened.”
For more on the Knicks, visit Posting and Toasting and SB Nation New York.
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