When the New York Knicks decided to sign shooting guard J.R. Smith, the assumption that his former Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony helped seal the deal is untrue according to Marc Berman for the New York Post (Via SLAM).

Although they were teammates for five seasons prior and developed a mutual friendship, sources suggest that Anthony told the Knicks front office not to sign Smith. Before the signing became official just a few weeks ago, Anthony was asked about the possibility of signing his former teammate and he did not seem too upbeat about it.

He was quoted as saying, “If it happens, it happens and I’ll be happy,” Anthony said publicly before the signing. But, according to the source, behind closed doors, Anthony was disappointed and hurt Knicks upper management tossed his advice out the window. From just on statistical standpoint, maybe the Knicks should have listed to Carmelo since J.R. Smith has only averaged 9.2 points per game on just 37.1 percent shooting from the field, including a career-worst 28.6 percent from beyond the arc.

The only problem i have with Carmelo Anthony is certainly not off his ability to play the game of basketball well, however at times he comes off as a selfish individual who only cares about himself with the “it’s my team” vibe all circulated around his headband. Even during the times when “Linsanity” was at it’s peak, you can clearly tell that Anthony was not fond of it because it wasn’t about him. He might fake the majority with his smile and such forth through the media, but you can tell he did become jealous of Jeremy Lin for a period of time.

I mean lets be honest, Carmelo hasn’t done anything significant to push the Knicks towards where the team or city needs to be. Now i’m not a J.R. Smith fan or anything of that nature but Anthony needs to focus first on the concept of team play and then on the how he can use his talents to help his team into the playoffs. If Anthony doesn’t do much now and next season, his trade to the Knicks should officially be considered a “bust” for the Knicks.

Agree or disagree? Lets hear all your comments.