"S---, we're competing. People might not believe that, but we're definitely competing for that," Anthony said after training camp practice on Wednesday. "That's always going to be the goal. Whether we get there or not depends on us and what we're doing. That's always our big-picture goal."

The Knicks won a franchise-low 17 games in 2014-15. Few expect New York to be in the running for the NBA championship this season.

Seven months after knee surgery, Anthony is back on the court and healthy. But he's the lone star on the Knicks' roster.

Team president Phil Jackson signed Robin Lopez, Arron Afflalo, Kevin Seraphin, Kyle O'Quinn, Sasha Vujacic and Derrick Williams in free agency but didn't land any of the top stars on the market.

Jackson also selected Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant in the first round of the draft in June.

Given the personnel on the roster, expectations for the Knicks are not high.

On Tuesday, the Westgate Las Vegas Sports SuperBook listed the Knicks' over/under win total at 31.5. New York's odds for winning a title are 200-1, according to Westgate.

Jackson and the rest of the Knicks have been hesitant to talk about specific expectations for the coming season.

But second-year coach Derek Fisher believes the Knicks may surprise those who expect them struggle in 2015-16.

"We think that our group, as we figure some things out, will be more competitive than maybe what people think," Fisher said after the Knicks' practice Wednesday morning. "Rebuilding doesn't necessarily mean we're not trying to win right now."
Carmelo Anthony said the Knicks have a goal of competing for a championship this season, despite winning a franchise-low 17 games in 2014-15. Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

Based on recent history, the Knicks face long odds to make the playoffs this season.

Since 1983-84, 31 teams have won 17 or fewer games (or the equivalent, based on winning percentages, for lockout seasons). Seventeen of those teams won 25 or fewer games the next season (or the equivalent, based on winning percentages, in lockout seasons), according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Still, Anthony's optimism about the season and the direction of the team is a welcome sign for the franchise.

The Knicks' struggles last season and their lackluster offseason led to speculation that Anthony, 31, would ask to be traded to a franchise that's closer to winning an NBA title. Anthony has a no-trade clause in his contract.

But the 13-year veteran has expressed confidence about the direction of the franchise several times over the past three days.

"That's just me," Anthony said. "It's hard for me to kind of lose my patience and get upset at something you pretty much can't control. The only thing I can control is what goes on out there on the basketball court. Everything else is out of my control."

Nalod wrote:HOl, you pointing out what every fan here has read for what reason? Melo the fool? Holfresh the smarterfan?
What, your above it all and won't be fooled?

When has an NBA player coming into a new season NOT been optimistic?
Do you know why the team exists? To keep Nixluva happy? or to Sell tickets and viewership? Its a business!
If you see your favorite product and its "new and improved" do you jump up an down or go "Ha, Im not falling for that hype", but its your favorite product and you buy it anyway, but while in line tell everyone around you on line at the checkout counter that "Im not falling for the label hype"!!!!!
and everyone one in the store is like "ok dude, really?"

Guess what they are really doing. How do I know? Im connecting the dots:

They are in camp, they are creating unity and optimism. For a new group to succeed they have to believe in themselves. If melo said "Yeah, last year was awful and while 34 games is a double from last year, its really not enough to get in the playoffs but we'll have some exciting basketball so come on down to the garden and support your team"!! Then what?

Winning requires confidence and positive reinforcement. If its to be (and Im not saying this team is .500 yet) then it starts now. Any wonderful scenario to me has a second half run, then get in the playoffs and maybe hit a team affected by injury and maybe steal a round. You can't get there without a good camp, and a good camp requires a positive attitude.

If Melo was negative you'd post that too.

Thats enough Nalod.....You better stop now before pessimistic fans ban you for life. I never understood how someone could call themselves a fan, but continue to sound as negative as our arch rivalries. I had a conversation with a Redskins fan, and he said NY fans are too hard on their own players. Like calling for the Giants head coach to be fired, after winning a championship (just one of his examples). He talked about other fans as well, but I thought his insight was telling. Sometimes you have to look into the mirror in order to see the truth. And the truth hurts, which is why all the pessimistic fans will be in out rage when anybody uses the word championship and knicks in the same sentence.

I agree, I don't see how anybody can be mad at Melo for promoting his championship campaign. Thats part of leadership and motivation during training camp.

"Shoot for the moon.....If you fall short, you can still be a star."

ChuckBuck wrote:

How much more can Melo do, before the season even started? I don't know anybody that has done as much as Melo has been doing so far. I think his perception is carring over to his present. We all learn and improve as we get older. How come Melo can't improve? And this is coming from a person thats never been a Melo fan. But if you have that orange and blue jersey on, I'm a fan by default. I think mid season is when this statement holds water. But during training camp, Melo has been saying all the right things and backing them up as well with actions. I have no complaints.

blkexec wrote:

ChuckBuck wrote:

How much more can Melo do, before the season even started? I don't know anybody that has done as much as Melo has been doing so far. I think his perception is carring over to his present. We all learn and improve as we get older. How come Melo can't improve? And this is coming from a person thats never been a Melo fan. But if you have that orange and blue jersey on, I'm a fan by default. I think mid season is when this statement holds water. But during training camp, Melo has been saying all the right things and backing them up as well with actions. I have no complaints.

It's not about rainbows and sunshine before the season when everyone's in preseason optimism mode, but when the clouds and storms gather during the regular season, there's turmoil in the lockerroom, WFAN and Stephen A go on their rants, and the pitchforks from the fans are in full force.

It's then that you have to prove your mettle and have to lead...

dk7th wrote:we have younger players but there is no jason kidd and pablo prigioni to anchor the offense. hopefully our guys this year will grasp the system well enough to be as effective as a true orchestrator like kidd was for the knicks... and exceed expectations. i project 34 wins, but as high as 42 wins if everyone plays defense and the offense clicks. more than 42 wins if kris explodes.

blkexec wrote:

nixluva wrote:

dk7th wrote:we have younger players but there is no jason kidd and pablo prigioni to anchor the offense. hopefully our guys this year will grasp the system well enough to be as effective as a true orchestrator like kidd was for the knicks... and exceed expectations. i project 34 wins, but as high as 42 wins if everyone plays defense and the offense clicks. more than 42 wins if kris explodes.

We have enough quality Guards to make this all work. We won't need a Jason Kidd in this offense. That's one of the benefits of playing this style. The key is to have a high level of passing at every position. An Elite Passing PG is not important. Not that you can't benefit from having one but the level of Guards we have now should be excellent for this style. IN this style you mostly want Combo Guards that can pass a bit and score, but don't need the ball all the time in order to be effective. Jose, Jerian, Langston, Arron and Sasha can all move, catch and shoot and all have enough skill and savvy to make things flow. It's part of why i'm high on this team being above .500 this year. This is a very smart and versatile group of guards.

I didn't see Kidds value on this team for his physical tools. It was the mental tools where Kidd adds value. Melo needs a Jason Kidd type on the team for added stability and the vocal leadership. Hopefully Rolo can provide that, but have a veteran PG is like having another coach on the floor, which is what Fisher clearly needs to ensure success.

Nalod wrote:

holfresh wrote:

Nalod wrote:HOl, you pointing out what every fan here has read for what reason? Melo the fool? Holfresh the smarterfan?
What, your above it all and won't be fooled?

When has an NBA player coming into a new season NOT been optimistic?
Do you know why the team exists? To keep Nixluva happy? or to Sell tickets and viewership? Its a business!
If you see your favorite product and its "new and improved" do you jump up an down or go "Ha, Im not falling for that hype", but its your favorite product and you buy it anyway, but while in line tell everyone around you on line at the checkout counter that "Im not falling for the label hype"!!!!!
and everyone one in the store is like "ok dude, really?"

Guess what they are really doing. How do I know? Im connecting the dots:

They are in camp, they are creating unity and optimism. For a new group to succeed they have to believe in themselves. If melo said "Yeah, last year was awful and while 34 games is a double from last year, its really not enough to get in the playoffs but we'll have some exciting basketball so come on down to the garden and support your team"!! Then what?

Winning requires confidence and positive reinforcement. If its to be (and Im not saying this team is .500 yet) then it starts now. Any wonderful scenario to me has a second half run, then get in the playoffs and maybe hit a team affected by injury and maybe steal a round. You can't get there without a good camp, and a good camp requires a positive attitude.

If Melo was negative you'd post that too.

You are reading into this way more than you need to...I'm never shy about stating my opinion, it's what the forum is for..But I post these for purely informational purposes...I posted the ranking for informational purposes as well but you thought I had an angle there too, which I didn't...I don't agree with most of Phil's moves..Doesn't mean I hate the Knicks..It means I don't agree with most of Phil's moves...That's it..

All the articles I post is for consumption and not to reinforce my point of view..When I do that, I will state as much..I'm not shy about that...I have a keyboard to hide behind..

Im not labeling you a hater. I just think you tend to state the obvious in the face of optimism as if your here to temper the homer in the form of Buzzkilling.
Your the grumpy uncle, the envious brother, the creepy grampa who has to remind the happy people there is reason to not be so happy.
Some one bakes a lovely cake, it might look better than it tastes, and instead of letting it go you pull your pants down, take a shyt in the room, then state that after everyone eats it its gonna turn to poop anyway, so why be happy!

Keep your pants up and just smile. The games will tell their own story. Being the smartest in the room need not be told everytime.

Look at his actual quote:

"S---, we're competing. People might not believe that, but we're definitely competing for that," Anthony said after training camp practice on Wednesday. "That's always going to be the goal. Whether we get there or not depends on us and what we're doing. That's always our big-picture goal."

What's he supposed to say? He's not competing? He's given up hope on the season?