Knicks Coach: "Melo Needs to Raise His Game"
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The New York Knicks face elimination on Sunday, May 5th as they trail their first round playoff series against the Miami Heat 0-3. As they look towards next season, current head coach Mike Woodson says he would like to see Carmelo Anthony in better shape come November.
According to a source close to Coach Woodson, Melo needs to drop a few pounds by the time training camp for the 2012-2013 season begins. He even stated that Melo, as well as other players in the starting rotation, need to raise their level of play.
"Expectations aren't going to change in New York, you know that They shouldn't. Rightfully so. Anthony's going to have to raise his game. He's got to do things this summer to better his game — as well as Tyson [Chandler] and Amar'e [Stoudemire]. If I'm the head coach here, I have to make sure it happens. It's the only way to get out of the rut in terms of him being a first-round exit. He's got to change that."
While Coach Woodson wants Melo to be the leader on the court, he also says that the team's more offensively-skilled athletes need to band together as a more cohesive unit.
"A lot of things have to happen this summer,'' Woodson said. "My situation, I don't know what's going to happen. If I am back, this summer is going to be very pivotal in terms of developing these guys, especially Amar'e, Tyson and Anthony. They've got to be better.As an organization, it's my job to better this team and develop the players to a point this won't happen next season."
If the Knicks don't turn it around next season, Mike Woodson could be replaced by legendary coach Phil Jackson who says he hasn't ruled out a Knicks coaching position.
Source: nypost.com
