Ailing Melo's only concern is his health
New York Knicks guard Toney Douglas controls the ball at Madison Square Garden. (April 5, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
CLEVELAND -- Pretty soon Carmelo Anthony is going to add a headache to his list of ailments.
After last night's loss, Anthony was reflective again. Not as deep as after the Denver loss last week, when he was considering sitting out and shooting less, but the sprained left wrist, sprained right thumb and sore ankle are wearing on him.
"There's no frustration," Anthony said. "I'm thinking about myself. I'm thinking about my body. There's a lot going through my mind right now, just trying to figure it out."
Anthony has shot 40-for-126 in his last six games. When asked about his thumb, he said, "It's messed up."
He also was asked if he's concerned about anything as the Knicks head to their next game at Miami Friday.
"My health," Anthony said. "That's it. But I'm fine. I'll get through it. As a team we've just got to stay confident, stay positive, believe in one another that we'll get through it."
Douglas returning in '13
The Knicks picked up next season's $2.068-million fourth-year option on point guard Toney Douglas' contract. The deadline to do it was Wednesday.
If the Knicks hadn't done it, Douglas would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer. "I took it as a positive," he said. "I guess they want me here."
Had the Knicks not used the amnesty clause on Chauncey Billups to take money off the books to acquire Tyson Chandler, they likely would have passed on Douglas' option. They would have wanted as much cap space to make a run at Chris Paul this summer. But things changed, so the Knicks locked up the young backup combo guard, who could have some trade value around the league.
