New York Knicks small forward and, now, three-time gold medalist has set a new record as the only person to obtain three gold medals for the United States basketball team. Before leaving the Olympics in Rio, Anthony emphasized the fact that he was happy and blessed to win three gold medals for the United States. Anthony also conveyed that if he does not win an NBA championship before retiring, he can look back on these gold medals and say that he had a great career. This produced a great deal of media attention, including a segment on television by ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith.

On ESPN, Smith, a diehard Knicks fan, was certainly not afraid to hold back any feelings. He came out firing as he not only disagreed with Anthony’s thoughts, but eradicated any truth these comments once had, if any, as Smith said “you can look back and say you had a great career? In what d*** world?”. As a result of Smith’s outburst toward Anthony, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have had major eruptions too as Knick fans believe Anthony is quitting on his dream: to win an NBA championship.

“Melo has had a great NBA career as well as a great international career. Many NBA greats have not won a ring but Melo should not give up on winning one this soon,” claims WHHS junior Marco Caprioni. Unfortunately, many Knick fans think this way and are expressing their disinterest towards Anthony and the entire team.

The Knicks have transformed their team this summer, adding strength and muscle with former Bulls center Joakim Noah. They have added quickness and a spark off the bench with point guard Brandon Jennings. Finally, the Knicks have implemented flash and talent with the signing of starting point guard and former all-star Derrick Rose. This team has plenty of potential to do well this year as they have the opportunity to have a record with more wins than losses, something they have not been able to accomplish the past two seasons. With the Knicks on the rise of a promising season, hopefully Anthony’s comments will not prevent the team from fully achieving their goals as a franchise.