Carmelo Anthony identifies the source of the Knicks’ struggles: ‘Where is KAT? Where is OG?’

Carmelo Anthony’s Take on Knicks’ Offense

Carmelo Anthony understands the weight of carrying the Knicks’ offense. Recently, however, the team has put significant resources into supporting Jalen Brunson. Unfortunately, that support was notably absent during the four games the Knicks played on Wednesday.

This absence has rendered the Knicks somewhat predictable, which was glaringly obvious during their recent blowout loss to the Pistons in Detroit.

“I was worried about this,” Anthony shared during an appearance on NBC’s “NBA Showtime” Tuesday. “Watching the game, it seems like their offense has become routine, especially in clutch moments. Jalen Brunson is taking on too much responsibility each night. They really lack easy scoring options. When that happens, they miss shots, and it leads to fast breaks for the other team. There’s a lack of movement and aggression; it feels stagnant. I wouldn’t say it’s completely disastrous, but they’re definitely overly reliant on Brunson.”

In that loss to the Pistons, both OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns had just four attempts, scoring five and six points, respectively. Mikal Bridges only managed ten points. On the flip side, Brunson shot the ball 21 times, more than twice the number of attempts by his teammates, and ended up with 25 points.

“While watching the game [on Monday] night, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Where’s KAT? Where’s OG?'” Anthony remarked. He noted that Tyler Kolek could contribute, but after all, who will consistently step up as the Knicks’ second option? “That second option can’t be hesitant… KAT can’t score just six points and grab one rebound, and OG has to elevate his game,” he added.

Before the season started, Coach Mike Brown aimed to relieve some of the load from Brunson, encouraging him to play off the ball and entrust others with the responsibility of organizing the offense. The idea was that this would lead to more open looks for Brunson and create a more versatile offensive strategy.

It requires movement of the ball. For the first part of the season, Brunson did an excellent job sharing the ball and cutting. But now, without Josh Hart—who is sidelined with an ankle sprain—options for playmaking have dwindled. This limitation restricts Brunson’s opportunities and hampers Anunoby, Towns, and Bridges from getting good chances.

As a result, this has led the team back to an isolation-heavy style reminiscent of last season under Coach Tom Thibodeau, where Brunson frequently held onto the ball and movement was minimal.

“We can’t keep falling into this situation like we did before,” Brown commented. “Quick decision-making is crucial, and you have to react swiftly when a defender closes in. Right now, we’re holding onto the ball too long and forcing plays. We have the potential, but we aren’t fully utilizing it.”

On a lighter note, Hart is set for a re-evaluation on Friday before their game in Phoenix, and he may return soon, which could help integrate secondary players into the lineup more effectively.