New York Knicks – Carmelo Anthony, #7
It’s been tough for Knicks fans since the turn of the century. Their team has only made six playoff appearances in the past twenty-two seasons. Three of those came with Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony is the most talented player to play for the Knicks in recent memory. “Melo” spent parts of seven seasons playing in Madison Square Garden. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star selection and won the 2013 scoring title as a Knick.
“Melo” may not have brought a championship to New York, but the fans always show him love when he returns to Madison Square Garden.
Other Players in Consideration: Allan Houston, Bernard King, Charles Oakley
Oklahoma City Thunder – Russell Westbrook, #0
If the team was still in Seattle and called the Supersonics, we would be talking about retiring the jersey numbers of Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. The Thunder will certainly raise the numbers of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to the rafters once their playing careers are over.
Durant and Westbrook are the same age. The first to retire get their jersey retired next. I gave the nod to Westbrook because he spent two more seasons in Oklahoma City, made one more All-Game game, and is the Thunder’s all-time scoring leader.
Other Players in Consideration: Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander