Carmelo Anthony or Jalen Brunson — who is better among the two New York Knicks stars, past or present? At first glance, the comparison may seem unfair, given the two different eras of the players. But what if the Knicks’ version of Melo were to play in the present-day NBA? The assumption emerges from Anthony’s recent claim that he would be the same player he was around 2012 if he played today.

At his best, the 10x All-Star averaged 28.7 points per game for the Knicks. Comparing this to the present scenario, Melo would land among the top 5 NBA stars in last season’s scoring department. Interestingly, he would tie Brunson, who also averaged 28.7 ppg last season. Now this may raise curiosity among some fans regarding who ranks better. Who has a better Knicks legacy? And more similar questions. Let’s find answers to some of these by weighing their numbers against each other.

Stat Comparison between Carmelo Anthony and Jalen Brunson

When you stack up Jalen Brunson against Anthony, the numbers start to paint an intriguing picture. JB’s career scoring average sits at 16.9 points per game. Meanwhile, Melo, over a much longer span, boasts an average of 22.5 points per game. The difference here shows the 10x All-Star’s scoring prowess. But that’s just the beginning of their comparison.

Looking at other key stats, Melo’s rebounding ability stands out with an average of 6.2 rebounds per game, significantly surpassing Brunson’s 3.2. However, Jalen has made his mark with his playmaking skills, having a slight edge there. The current star averages 4.7 assists per game while Anthony dished only 2.7 apg. But what about their contribution to the factor they have in common? The Knicks.

Melo’s journey with the Knicks began with a mid-season transfer from the Denver Nuggets. And he wasted no time in making an impact, averaging 26.3 points across 27 games. Following this, during his 6 full seasons with the franchise, Anthony put up 24.7 points and 7 rebounds per game. JB, on the other hand, has only been with the Knicks for two seasons so far. In this span, he has averaged 26.5 points and 6.5 assists per game.

While the 28-year-old might have a slight scoring edge and is clearly a stronger playmaker, Melo’s longer tenure with the Knicks and his superior rebounding, paired with similar scoring figures, contribute to his lasting legacy. However, from Brunson’s recent gesture, it seems the 2x NCAA champ himself has long-term plans with the team. Yes, we are referring to Brunson leaving $113 million on the table for the franchise to expand on roster.

Melo would not have been able to make the big sacrificial move, claimed the 10x All Star himself

While measuring the extent of how one is ready to contribute to the team’s legacy, an important factor, at times, is the sacrifices a player is willing to make. After a tough end to the 2024 season, the New York Knicks managed to turn things around with some game-changing moves. The team orchestrated a major trade to bring Mikal Bridges back to his Villanova roots. Alongside Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.

To top it off, they re-signed OG Anunoby to a staggering five-year, $212 million contract. With these new additions, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau now had a formidable lineup to work with. In a surprising twist, Brunson decided to restructure his deal, leaving $113 million on the table. And sign a more team-friendly four-year, $156 million contract. This move was seen as a selfless gesture, aiming at giving the Knicks more flexibility to build a championship-caliber team.

However, some speculate it might have been a strategic decision to avoid risks that come with the possibility of injury. In a candid moment on Podcast P, Anthony shared his thoughts on this sacrifice. He admitted he wouldn’t have made the same choice. “I’m not doing it… He should be making something, $113 million, to make that up on the back end is crazy. I don’t know the logic and the thinking behind why he did it. There has to be a reason, something very specific,” he said.

Anthony expressed his belief that such a decision puts players in a tough spot, no matter the outcome. If you leave money on the table, you’re criticized, and if you take the contract, you’re also scrutinized. At the end of the day, the 10x All-Star feels it’s about doing what’s best for oneself in such situations.

What do the fans think of Carmelo Anthony and Jalen Brunson’s legacies with the Knicks?

The most recent instance that we witnessed of the fans comparing the two stars was last NBA season. When JB was just two wins away from leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. With 35.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game during the playoffs, Brunson’s performance made waves.

What’s more? JB surpassed the 10x All-Star in playoff points for the Knicks, with 591 compared to Melo’s 589. This achievement sparked a lively discussion among Knicks fans. The question on many lips back then: Has Jalen already surpassed Anthony as a Knicks legend?

One enthusiastic supporter declared, “Took his city fr”. Showing clear support for Brunson’s impact. Yet another commented, “Jalen really already surpassed Melo as a New York Knick”. This reflects a belief that the 2x NCAA champ’s recent achievements might place him above Melo in Knicks history. However, there is no denying that Carmelo Anthony had a much longer run with the franchise than JB has had so far. But the 28-year-old is surely catching up fast.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.