There’s something about the New York Knicks this season - a buzz that hasn’t been felt in years, maybe decades. And when Carmelo Anthony, one of the franchise’s most iconic figures, says he believes they’ve got a real shot at an NBA title, you can’t help but take notice.
Melo’s connection to the Knicks runs deep. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he didn’t just wear the orange and blue - he lived it.
Though his own championship dreams in New York never came to fruition, his love for the franchise hasn’t wavered. Now, watching from the sidelines in retirement, he sees something brewing at Madison Square Garden.
Appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Anthony didn’t hold back: “I honestly believe that the Knicks have a legit shot at the NBA Championship,” he said. And with the way this team is playing, it’s not just wishful thinking.
At 20-8, the Knicks sit second in the Eastern Conference and have already added another trophy to the cabinet by capturing their third NBA Cup. That’s not nothing - it’s a sign of a team that knows how to win in high-pressure moments. And more importantly, it’s a team that’s starting to believe in itself.
“They’re building and growing, they’re getting more comfortable with each other,” Melo added. That chemistry is showing up on the court - in the ball movement, the defensive rotations, the unselfish play.
This isn’t a team being carried by one star. This is a roster that’s been carefully constructed and is now starting to click.
The Knicks are coming off three straight playoff appearances, and last year they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals - their first trip to that stage since the 1999-2000 season. That run ended at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, but it was a statement: this team is no longer just trying to make the playoffs. They’re trying to win.
A big part of that evolution has been the emergence of Karl-Anthony Towns. After a strong debut season in New York, KAT has settled in even more under head coach Mike Brown. His numbers - 21.6 points and 11.6 rebounds per game - might be slightly down from last year, but his impact on both ends of the floor has been undeniable.
“I love the energy and what I’m seeing from KAT right now,” Carmelo said. “It seems like he turned over a new page, and he’s gotten comfortable with what coach Mike Brown wanted him to do.” That comfort is translating into confident, consistent play - the kind of presence the Knicks need in the frontcourt if they’re going to make a deep run.
But make no mistake - this is Jalen Brunson’s team. The point guard is in the middle of a career year, averaging 29.1 points per game and dishing out 6.6 assists.
He’s not just scoring - he’s controlling the tempo, setting the tone, and delivering in clutch moments. Brunson has become the heart of this Knicks squad, and his leadership is a big reason why the team feels so dangerous.
Still, what makes this Knicks team especially intriguing is their depth. They’ve built a roster that can hurt you in a lot of ways.
Six players are averaging double figures, and even guys like Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet - both coming off the bench - are hovering just over nine points per game. That kind of balance is what separates playoff teams from true contenders.
The Knicks have done the hard part: they’ve built a foundation. Now, with a mix of veteran savvy, star power, and youthful energy, they’re poised to chase something bigger. Whether that road ends with a parade down the Canyon of Heroes remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear - Carmelo Anthony sees something special in this group.
And he’s not the only one.