Carmelo: Knicks really aren't 'that bad'

Despite finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference with 32 wins, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is cautiously optimistic about his team's chances moving forward.

With their starting frontcourt already set, Anthony believes the Knicks will need to fill just a few roster spots to once again become a contender in the East.

"In our meeting at the end of the season, Carmelo said, 'Really (the Knicks' situation is) not that bad," Knicks president Phil Jackson told WNBC, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. "I think we have the best front line guys in the game, in the Eastern Conference, in Robin (Lopez), myself and Kristaps (Porzingis),'" Jackson said. "And I have to agree with him. Yes, those are three real potent figures. ... So we have some positions to fill, but not a lot. Not that many."

Calling New York's frontcourt the best in the conference is a bit of a stretch, but the Knicks did play much better when the trio shared the court last season.

With Arron Afflalo likely to opt out of his contract and Jose Calderon ready for a backup role, the Knicks will likely retool their backcourt this summer. If Jackson and Co. can make the right moves, Carmelo might be right after all.