Carmelo Anthony Has 'Support' From Knicks For MSG Retirement

Even before his retirement announcement this week, Carmelo Anthony reportedly had the right people in the New York Knicks organization interested in immortalizing his No. 7.

Carmelo Anthony hasn't donned a New York Knicks uniform since 2017. But he has apparently made a lasting impression on those capable of bestowing him Manhattan immortality.

Since Anthony announced his retirement on Monday, debate has reigned over the idea of anyone wearing the No. 7 that appeared on his Knicks jersey for seven seasons (2011-17). No New Yorker has worn it since he was traded to Oklahoma City six years ago. According to SNY's Ian Begley, discussions about putting the digit in the Madison Square Garden rafters were underway before Anthony stepped away from the game. 

"Before Anthony’s announcement, there was strong support among some in Madison Square Garden to retire the number," Begley wrote. "No decision has been made yet. The final decision, I’d assume, will be made by team governor James Dolan."

No Knick has had his number retired since Patrick Ewing's No. 33 in 2003. Arguments in Anthony's favor to become the next jersey raised to the Garden's ceiling include serving as one of the rare consistent silver linings in new century Knicks basketball and several exhilarating performances, including the single-game record for scoring with 62 points in a January 2014 win over Charlotte. Anthony is also one of seven players to score at least 10,000 points in a Knicks uniform and also ranks in the top ten in successful three-pointers and free throws.

Others disagree with Anthony's potential inclusion among MSG's legends, citing his lack of playoff success in Manhattan. In his seven seasons with the team, the Knicks won only a single playoff series. Of the eight players to have had their number retired by the Knicks, all but two (Ewing and Dick McGuire) were on one or both of their two championships squads from 1970 and 1973. Anthony's unceremonious exit, where he reportedly demanded a trade and clashed with then-team president Phil Jackson, has also somewhat sullied his metropolitan tenure. 

Time will tell if Anthony receives such an honor. Only the number raising will perhaps officially end the arguing.   

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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