Despite the rumors that he could be on the move, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony told reporters he wants to be “at the head of the table” when it comes to recruiting free agents to New York this summer.
One potential target for the Knicks, Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo, has made it known he is hesitant to play in the team’s triangle offense and doesn’t see the system as a good fit for him. Anthony has disagreed with that notion, and he’s made public his desire to bring Rondo to the Knicks. Here are five players Anthony should recruit to join him in the Big Apple.
5. G/F Kent Bazemore
Getty ImagesBazemore is averaging career-highs in PPG (12.2), RPG (5.0), APG (2.3) and STLPG (1.3) this season, just in time for unrestricted free agency this summer. The Knicks need some wing depth, and Bazemore offers enough on both ends of the floor.
4. C Al Horford
Kevin C. Cox - Getty Images
Robin Lopez is having a solid season as New York's starting center, but Horford is a far better player. Anthony should see the promise of a frontcourt with him, Horford and Kristaps Porzingis if the financials can work.
3. PG Mike Conley
Getty ImagesAnthony's possible recruitment of Rondo would put Conley on the back-burner, but the Memphis Grizzlies' pending free agent point guard has said he will consider all options. If Rondo turns away Anthony and the Knicks, Conley looks like a better fit overall.
2. SG DeMar DeRozan
Al Bello Getty ImagesDeRozan is expected to opt out of his $10 million player option with the Toronto Raptors for next season, and he'll become one of the top free agents around if he does so. The Knicks could look to upgrade both backcourt spots, and Anthony should help them recruit DeRozan.
1. PG Rajon Rondo
Getty ImagesRondo is a ball-dominant point guard, but his unselfishness could fit well with a ball-dominant scorer like Anthony. It may take some convincing due to Rondo's hesitancy about the triangle, but Anthony may back up his recent talk and put on a full-court press.
