There’s a method to what some see as the maddening riddle of why Carmelo Anthony would shed as much as 20 pounds over a matter of mere weeks, all with the goal of having more of an impact for his undersized New York Knicks in mind.
In what will rate as his first full season playing in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, word is Anthony is intent on getting back to the weight he entered the league at and going back to the days when he was as athletic as he’s ever been.
“He wants to be a facilitator and the speed will help that,” an associate of the league’s No. 2 overall scorer told reporters. And the proof is in the Instagram.
This week, Anthony took to social media to post a photo of himself where it’s clear it will be less of him to love for Knick fans this season. As a rookie in 2003, Anthony took the hardwood for the Nuggets weighing a relative svelte 230 pounds. Last season, that swelled to as much as 250, but clearly those days are again behind the now 11-year veteran who turned 30 less than three months ago.
At least part of Anthony’s motivation also stems from the difference in the player he sees himself being going forward compared to the one he was often cast as over the last two seasons in since terminated coach Mike Woodson’s system. Gone are the days when Anthony will be asked to swing between his natural small forward spot and power forward.
While Anthony is hoping the smaller frame and lesser burden of also being asked to rebound as a power player would will help him remain fresher to close out games, NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller is convinced it could also prove to be a factor in stretching his career.
“It will prolong their career,’’ Miller said of both Anthony and four-time league MVP LeBron James, who has also noticeably slimmed down this summer as he prepares for his return to his native Cleveland Cavaliers. “You carry on too much weight, it shortens longevity of a basketball player especially later on. You get up in years, it’s less wear and tear on your body. It’s actually pretty smart.’’
Besides drastically cutting down on carbs, Anthony is rumored to have dropped the weight by working out at least three times a week on basketball and agility drills and doing weightlifting and yoga routines.
