D'Antoni: Melo was right move for Knicks
New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. (April 5, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
Mike D'Antoni admitted he wasn't completely in favor of the Carmelo Anthony trade mainly because it meant enduring another midseason roster makeover. It was the third time in three seasons that D'Antoni has had to deal with a major trade that changed the makeup of his team.
But in hindsight, D'Antoni says it was the right move to make because "the franchise is better for the long run."
His initial concerns involved giving up young players such as Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, who had played a major role in his rotation. D'Antoni developed a deep personal appreciation for both players and, privately, had his doubts about Anthony's willingness to buy into a team concept.
"The bottom line for every coach, every person in the organization is you weigh the pros and cons," he said. "There's cons, there's pros, there's no doubt about it, each way, about changing the team midway ."
Now that D'Antoni has had six weeks to adjust to Anthony, Chauncey Billups and the other new faces, he's feeling optimistic about the team's potential. "The bottom line is, are you going to be a team player, as we ask our team players to do it, or not?" he said. "If it's better for the organization to do it, you do it. If I'm supposed to be the coach that I'm supposed to be, then I'm going to go along with what's better for the Knicks. I think it's clear that it's best for the Knicks."
Knicks fix
The Knicks are likely to face either the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. D'Antoni said he has yet to begin putting together a strategy for either potential opponent, but said after Wednesday night in Philadelphia, "then we'll start honing in on people."
