NBA legend Charles Oakley believes Carmelo Anthony made a mistake requesting a trade and leaving the New York Knicks.
TMZ Sports got in touch with Oakley and asked for his two cents regarding Anthony's situation. While the 55-year-old former All-Star definitely found it curious (and embarrassing) that Dwight Howard got a contract ahead of Melo, he thinks there's no one to blame other than Anthony. Oakley also gave Melo a little bit of advice, saying that he should not join a team just because he wants to be on a team.
“Carmelo should've never left New York,” Oakley said. “I think if he'd have stayed in New York, he probably would've gotten a new contract and maybe the Knicks would've made the playoffs the last couple years.”
“I wish him all the love, but Melo's gotta realize that he had a great career. Don't sweat the people. You played the game at a high level, and leave on that level. Don't just want to be on a team because you want to be on a team.”
It's interesting that Oakley mentioned the high level of basketball Melo was playing before his prolonged time away from the NBA. Anthony has career averages of 24.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists on a 44.9 percent shooting clip.
Oakley is not the only ex-player to speak about the Carmelo Anthony saga. Royce White called out LeBron James and the rest of the NBA for not giving Anthony a team to play for.
The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly interested in bringing Melo for a year. It remains a question mark as to whether the former Knick will get signed this season, but there's no doubt he will be remembered as one of the best scorers in the history of the league.
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