Following an MRI which revealed a small tear in Carmelo Anthony’s right shoulder, the New York Knicks elected to rest their All-Star for the season’s final two meaningless games against Brooklyn and Toronto. Melo prepares to go into free agency following an incredibly frustrating season. Per the NY Post:
An MRI to Carmelo Anthony's right shoulder revealed a small tear to his labrum. No surgery is required at this time. (cont)
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) April 15, 2014
(cont) Anthony will be re-evaluated in about a month. He will miss the remaining two games.
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) April 15, 2014
Anthony had two tears in his left shoulder after last season’s playoffs — the rotator cuff and labrum. He chose to rehab it and did so successfully. The rotator cuff is considered more serious than a labrum tear.
If Anthony did have surgery, it probably would affect his free agency because the healing process is several months. That’s why he’ll follow the same path as last season and told TNT he can’t wait to begin rehab.
“It’s hard, really hard,’’ Anthony said of missing the playoffs. “I have a lot to think about.”
“I feel bad for him more than anyone,’’ head coach Mike Woodson said before Tuesday night’s win. “He had the kind of season where he deserves to be in the playoffs. I feel bad about that.‘’
Anthony refused to take an MRI exam when the Knicks were still in the playoff race. They were eliminated Saturday night.
“Obviously he knew it was bothering him but he hung in there with us and tried to make this last push to the playoffs,’’ Woodson said. “He’ll be good to go in a month or so and we’ll see.’’
Anthony finished the season averaging 27.4 points per game on 45.2 percent shooting in 77 games, averaging 38.7 minutes. He also shot a healthy 40 percent from 3-point land and hauled in a career-high 8.2 rebounds per game. He’s the first player since Shaquille O’Neal in 2002-03 to average at least 27 points and 8 boards.