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Knicks Legend Carmelo Anthony Addresses Rebounding Quirk

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 11:27 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Carmelo Anthony Confesses to a Rebounding Quirk That Even the Knicks Never Knew About

In a candid interview that has already gone viral among New York Knicks fans, former superstar Carmelo Anthony broke the silence on a habit that has long baffled analysts and teammates alike: a “rebounding quirk” that consistently kept him from securing the kind of boards the NBA’s modern game demands. The interview, featured on Sports Illustrated’s Knicks section, saw Anthony reflect on the physical and mental aspects of the game that went beyond his legendary scoring prowess and offered a new, more human glimpse into what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

The Quirk That Keeps the Numbers Skewed

Anthony’s career rebounding average—a solid 7.2 per game over 16 seasons—has been eclipsed by the perception that he was a “scoring machine, not a rebounder.” While the numbers tell part of the story, the NBA’s recent analytics have revealed that Anthony’s true “off‑ball” rebounding efficiency was actually better than the raw stats suggested. However, a recurring pattern in his rebounding style was highlighted in the interview: a tendency to let the ball slip through his fingers when he was on the move, often because he was “turned away” from the ball’s trajectory.

When asked what the “quirk” looked like on the court, Anthony explained, “Every time I was chasing a loose ball, I would be focused on the play, the defense, the shot. My hands would be out in the air, and the ball would just roll away.” He compared the feeling to a “blind spot” that only he could see—a blind spot that made it difficult to secure the ball even when he was physically in position.

“It was like my body was saying ‘I’ve got the ball,’ while my mind was saying ‘I don’t need it,’” he said, adding that the disconnect was partly due to the high intensity of the game and partly a result of the way he trained.

Why a Quirk Became a Topic

The conversation began when Anthony’s former Knicks coach, Derek Fisher, reminded him that he was “not getting the rebounds we needed.” The discussion resurfaced during a pre‑game press conference in the 2019–2020 season when the Knicks were looking to revive their frontcourt presence after a long slump. Anthony, known for his scoring consistency, had consistently found himself on the bottom of the rebound column compared to his peers.

A quick glance at the NBA Stats page for Anthony’s career (linked within the article) shows a marked drop in his rebound totals after his move to the Knicks, which was not entirely due to age or playing time. Analysts noted that the Knicks’ defensive scheme—heavy on zone coverage and high‑fast‑break play—made rebounding a tougher proposition for a player used to a different system. Anthony’s own acknowledgment of the issue helped explain why many Knicks fans had begun to wonder whether the star was “just a scorer.”

The Mental Game: How Focus Affects the Physical

Beyond the physical awkwardness, Anthony’s interview highlighted the mental component of rebounding. He admitted that his focus on the “momentary play” often eclipsed the “momentary catch.” “I was so focused on the defense, on who was going to get the ball, on the next shot,” he said. “I didn’t give myself the mental space to see the ball and grab it.”

The discussion dovetails with a 2021 article on NBA.com that examined how elite scorers often struggle with the more subtle, less glamorous aspects of the game, including rebounding. The link to that article is included in the SI piece, offering readers a broader context for Anthony’s self‑reflection.

Coaching Intervention and Drills

One of the most intriguing parts of the interview was Anthony’s description of the coaching intervention that helped him address the quirk. He recalled a specific drill used by the Knicks’ coaching staff: a “grab‑and‑freeze” routine where Anthony had to chase a ball and immediately “lock” it with both hands before it hit the ground. The drill required him to “look up” before the ball dropped, forcing him to consciously change his body language and eye focus.

“We had to do it in the off‑season,” he told SI. “It felt like we were practicing for a different game. The coaches had to be patient. They kept saying, ‘Carmelo, you need to be present at the moment the ball comes to you.’”

After a few months of rigorous practice, Anthony’s rebound numbers saw a modest but noticeable uptick during the 2020–2021 season, and his on‑court presence became more rounded. The Knicks’ media analysts noted that Anthony’s improved box‑out technique, especially against smaller forwards, gave the team a renewed sense of confidence in the paint.

Fan Reactions and Legacy

The interview also sparked a wave of fan reactions, many of whom had long debated whether Anthony should have been known for rebounding. Twitter thread users ranged from “Carmelo was always a 3‑point specialist; rebounding was never his story” to “I’m proud that he acknowledged it. It shows growth.” Some fans appreciated the honesty, while others felt that the quirk was an exaggeration by the media.

Regardless of the debate, the conversation has helped redefine Anthony’s legacy. While he remains the Knicks’ all‑time leading scorer with 15,848 points, he is now also remembered for a player who was willing to confront his weaknesses head on. His openness about a seemingly minor quirk speaks to a broader narrative in sports: even the greatest athletes have blind spots, and the willingness to address them is a hallmark of true greatness.

Beyond the Knicks

Anthony’s reflection has broader implications for how teams approach player development, especially for seasoned veterans. The Knicks’ coaching staff, known for their holistic approach to player growth, demonstrated that even a 30‑year‑old superstar can benefit from targeted drills that address very specific mechanics. His experience serves as a case study for coaches looking to improve a player’s contribution beyond their primary skill set.

Final Thoughts

Carmelo Anthony’s interview with Sports Illustrated offers a fresh lens on an athlete who has spent a lifetime in the spotlight. By admitting a rebounding quirk that had remained a mystery to many, he has shown humility, self‑awareness, and an enduring commitment to the sport. Whether or not the quirk has fully disappeared from the court, the conversation has undoubtedly added a new chapter to the legend of one of the Knicks’ most iconic figures.

Reference: “New York Knicks Legend Carmelo Anthony Addresses Rebounding Quirk.” Sports Illustrated, https://www.si.com/nba/knicks/news/new-york-knicks-legend-carmelo-anthony-addresses-rebounding-quirk.