Superstar Carmelo Anthony wants input when the Knicks decide to hire their next head coach. Input from a superstar is nothing new in the NBA. Making sure head coach and star player mesh is something a GM needs to consider.
Interim coach Kurt Rambis is rumored to be the front runner to become the next head coach. In an interview, Melo said:
I would love to have some type of input when it comes to that. I think you have to. I think you have to have some kind of input or dialogue or whatever word you want to use. I think you have to have that. At this point it has to be some type of connection, some type of communication.
What makes this situation interesting, is the superstar in question. How long will Melo be with the Knicks? And, more importantly, how long will Melo be the superstar the Knicks need head coach approval from? Melo is 31 years old and has three years remaining on his five year $125 million deal. Melo recognizes he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. He wants a realistic chance to compete for a title and knows he needs the best coach available to guide the team.