Oklahoma City’s newest superstar, Carmelo Anthony, has some high expectations for his return trip to Madison Square Garden later this year. The former New York Knicks star doesn’t think fans in the Big Apple have any reason to boo him when he plays there later this year on December 16.
“It’s too far away to think about yet, but it will be a home game for me,’’ Anthony told The Post late Thursday as he left the Chesapeake Energy Arena, per Marc Berman of the New York Post. “(I have) a good feeling. I have a good feel about that one. Coming back and playing in front of those fans. I feel good about that.’’
When asked if he hopes to only hear cheers, Anthony responded, “I hope so. I don’t see why not. We’ll see when that time comes. I’m not worried about how they take (the tweet). I said what I said and that’s it.’’
Funny enough, Knicks fans might actually be on Anthony’s side. After all, it wasn’t Anthony who blew things up. That honor fell to former executive Phil Jackson, who did an awful job as the president of basketball operations during his tenure with the Knicks.
Things got so sour that, in the end, it was better for everyone involved if Anthony moved on, which is what ultimately happened when he was traded to the Thunder.
With that in mind, it’s going to be fascinating to see if Melo gets his wish in December or if Knicks fans have a slightly more negative response in store for their native son.