George Karl and Carmelo Anthony didn’t always get along when they were together, but now that they're on opposite coasts the coach has come to the defense of his former star.
Karl, now the Kings coach, said the Knicks forward has evolved since Anthony played for him while with the Nuggets early in his career.
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"I’ve seen a winning Melo over the last two years," Karl said Sunday night, via ESPN. "I’ve seen him sacrifice his game to try to figure out the team. I think he’s had a willingness to understand that he doesn’t have to force the game. The game will happen. And so many teams conceptually tilt the game to take Melo out. He understands ... that he’s got to make other people better."
Anthony played for Karl from 2005 to 2011 before being traded to the Knicks. Karl complained about his motivation and defense while he played for him, but he appreciates how he’s grown as a passer, calling him a "distributor" on Sunday.
Anthony is averaging a 4.2 assist per game, the highest season average of his career. He’s also scoring 21.8 points and eight rebounds per game, all of which are team highs for the Knicks, who were dealt an 88-80 loss to Karl's Kings on Sunday. Despite Anthony's solid play, the Knicks will miss the playoffs for the third straight season.
"He doesn’t want the season to be over April 15," Karl said. "I think Melo’s had a Hall of Fame career, and I just know right now, just kind of looking at his body language, he wants to win."