When we speak about Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks, the emotion is always that they lacked something to achieve the ultimate title. Injuries, issues with ownership were part of the narrative off the court as Melo set multiple records at Madison Square Garden. One such year, where the front office, the players, and the coaching staff collectively felt they were going to win, was the 2012-13 season. Even the owner, James Dolan, was ready to commit financially if things out as they expected.
The season before ended with a 36–30 record and a playoff round 1 exit to the Miami Heat. Post this season, Mike Woodson’s status was upgraded from interim manager to a permanent role. He coached the team to an 18–5 record to start the season, their best start since 1993. Plus, in their first four games, they scored at least 100 points and won by double digits in all games. This amazing start was all down to their belief from the pre-season meeting, which Carmelo Anthony recalled.
With another Knicks legend, Amar’e Stoudemire as the guest, they had to discuss their what if run.”I remember there on that on that year, man, like the first conversation we had, I don’t know if you remember this. Woody comes in the room, Film room, Dolan is standing right next to him. He (Woodson) says, ‘We got a hell of a team, but it’s going to be up to y’all. For all of y’all who free agents, who looking for money, who playing for contracts, if you do if you buy into this, you all going to get paid, ain’t that right, Mr. Dolan?”
First, the presence of the Billianore owner was not usual in the film room, at least as per Melo. Then, out of nowhere, Woodson threw in a curveball by asking Dolan if he would pay for the contract if the team won. “Nobody, never bought Mr. Dolan in there in the film room, to like I need you to hear this too. I need you to be on board with this too, Dolan. If they do what they got to do, you got to make sure that you take care of everybody.” The reason behind his presence was not at all surprising, as it served a higher purpose.
“He was there for that reason to validate what Woody is saying. He was in the building cuz it was like first day of training camp, everybody having talks and meetings, and they bought him in what he brought him in and established that energy from the jump.” Carmelo Anthony confirmed it was done to put everyone together on the same path to achieve success. Now it seems, Melo is somewhat returning the favor with his recent move in the Garden.
As financial trouble looms over James Dolan, Carmelo Anthony made a return to the MSG with a partnership
Due to injuries to Stoudemire, they couldn’t win the title, but still achieved a successful season for the history books. They would clinch the first Atlantic division title since the 1993–94 season, their highest win total since the 1996–97 season (54–28). Why this season is in the record books is because after this season, the Knicks failed to return to the playoffs until the 2020–21 season. Another painful record was that they would not win 50 games, nor finish second in the East, until the 2023–24 season.
Aug 5, 2024; Paris, FRANCE; Carmelo Anthony poses for a photograph during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Team USA House. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
So, the man responsible for the run couldn’t come empty-handed. Carmelo Anthony spent seven seasons in New York, becoming the face of the franchise. In his post-retirement role, he is also the face of the wine brand, VII(N) The Seventh Estate. Yes, the 10x All-Star and the $4.77 billion Madison Square Garden, where Dolan is the CEO, have partnered up. This comes at a crucial time for the Billionaire owner.
As per the New York Post, MSG Networks is close to a deal with JPMorgan to reduce its $800 million debt to about $600 million so it can avoid going bankrupt. The restructuring would lower the fees MSGN pays for game rights, helping the network afford its payments. Since many viewers have switched away from cable now it led to MSGN has been struggling financially. So, definitely the partnership with Melo comes at the right time, just like his validation of the then-head coach’s philosophy.
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