Carmelo Anthony bothered by rumors about him being upset with Knicks

Carmelo Anthony would have loved for the Knicks to have signed top free agents DeAndre Jordan or LaMarcus Aldridge, but that doesn't mean he is unhappy with the team's moves this offseason.

Anthony said reports of him being upset with the Knicks' moves have been exaggerated.

"Why am I bothered about that? I haven't said none of that, that is why I'm bothered," Anthony said during a media session following a USA Basketball practice yesterday afternoon.

When asked if he wanted to clear the air, Anthony responded, "I haven't said none of that . . . So whatever rumors you guys heard about me, about [Knicks president] Phil [Jackson], about [first-round pick Kristaps] Porzingis, about anybody. It is all false."

Anthony said he was pleased with the signings of center Robin Lopez, forward Derrick Williams and shooting guard Arron Afflalo, who played with Anthony in Denver.

"You always want the top guys that are out there, but I feel good about the pieces we got," Anthony said. "Arron was a guy, regardless of who we got in free agency, I wanted. He was a guy the front office wanted, and was very high on him."

Anthony said he has been working out with all the rookies, including Porzingis, the 7-3 power forward taken fourth overall in June's draft. He said he appreciates Porzingis' toughness, which will be important for him during his rookie season in New York.

"He is a down-to-earth guy, and you can tell he has a chip on his shoulder and I love that," Anthony said. "You kind of have to have that being in New York. You have to have that toughness, and that is the first thing I told him when I saw him working out."

Of course, the Knicks' success this season all hinges on Anthony's recovery from left knee surgery.

During yesterday's practice, Anthony moved well and was able to hit jumpers from all over the floor. Although this was a light workout, with stretches, shootarounds and offensive drills with no defensive pressure, the Knicks' star was happy with his physical condition.

"I feel good," said Anthony, who added that he will be ready when training camp opens. "This is my first time really doing this much with the guys and being part of a team atmosphere since February. I feel great, and I'm just happy to be here . . . If I really wanted to have contact right now I could do it. No need for me to rush it."