Mar 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after missing a shot against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Chicago defeats New York 109-90. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Carmelo Anthony was supposed to make his decision after thinking it over the long holiday weekend. Nearly a week has passed and there’s still no decision.
If nothing changes, this free agency period will forever been known as “The In-Decision,” starring the 2003 NBA Draft class.
And even though Melo’s free agency decision is probably predicated (to some extent) on what LeBron does, at this point I think it’s safe to pick between the Lakers, Bulls or Knicks — LeBron isn’t stopping at any of those destinations.
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In actuality, Melo’s and LeBron’s decision will have little relation to one another. Though, both sure have the knack for making the world stop, waiting for a simple announcement of where they’ll be working next year.
Nevertheless, just like the LeBron James saga this Carmelo Anthony decision process has been perplexing.
First: “There’s no way Melo goes back to New York. That team is awful.”
Then: “It’s really down to the Knicks and the Lakers.”
Later: “Done deal. Melo is headed back to the Knicks. Simply can’t turn down 30 extra million.”
Now: “Melo is now re-considering the Bulls.”
This has turned into Melo using the Lakers, Bulls and Rockets as a money-grab into an actual cognitive decision. It’s like when you pretend to be someone’s date to the ball and end up falling in love with them.
It. Just. Happens.
That’s exactly what happened to Melo — he fell in love with Kobe, and the Bulls potential.
Hearing Tom Thibodeau is playing a major role in keeping Carmelo Anthony interested in Bulls.
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHSports) July 10, 2014
Hearing the Stephen A. Smith report is accurate. Carmelo may have been leaning elsewhere, but regained interest in #Bulls.
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHSports) July 11, 2014
Meanwhile, Knicks President Phil Jackson is confident that Melo is going to re-sign with the Knicks. Yea..I don’t think anyone — not even Melo — knows what’s really going on. [New York Newsday]
"“I felt really good about my conversation with Carmelo,” the Knicks president said. “We really struck a chord. The two of us feel really passionately about what we’re trying to get accomplished. It’s his ability to stay, be patient, lead and watch us develop a winner. “There’s no instantaneous winner that we think is going to happen to the Knicks right now, but we’re going to be a lot better.”"
And the Lakers are still in it. Thanks to Kobe Bryant.
Hearing stronger indications Melo is heavily weighing CHI. 1 high-ranking source: CHI was favorite after all meetings. Torn over NY & Kobe.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 11, 2014
But what does this all mean?
We. Don’t. Know.
It could mean a lot, it could mean nothing. It could be true indecision, or it could be stalling on Melo’s part as he waits to see what LeBron James does — and Chris Bosh.
Melo’s desire has always been to play with LeBron, but that hasn’t been exercised in our realities yet. Mostly because nothing that has happened this offseason has pointed to that.
Until now. Maybe.
A big part of this feels calculated, in how Melo and LeBron haven't decided. Maybe waiting on Bosh to go to HOU. Maybe crazy, but thinking.
— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) July 11, 2014
Perhaps it’s time that we start thinking crazy. After all, logic has gotten us nowhere so far.
Melo is interested in Chicago again. But until he puts pen to paper, it means nothing.