Melo gains respect for Ewing after intense scrutiny from Knicks fans

After being treated to a smattering of boos from the Madison Square Garden faithful, Carmelo Anthony could only look to a familiar face for comfort.

Anthony drew comparisons to Knicks legend Patrick Ewing in describing the intense scrutiny that comes with being New York's star player.

"Without a doubt," Anthony told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk when asked if he respected Ewing more after stepping into his shoes in New York. "As a student of the game, you know what people go through in their own respective situations.

"Knowing the history of the game and knowing the history here and the players, he was one of those guys who kind of can relate to what I'm going through. Being able to still try to perform at a high level and block everything out, I mean, that's somebody I can say understands what I'm dealing with."

As it happens, Ewing was in town on Friday as an assistant with the Charlotte Hornets. The beloved franchise center had no advice beyond just accepting the circus that surrounds the Knicks.

"I just blocked it out and did my job," Ewing told the George Willis of the New York Post. "You have to have tough skin. You can't worry about what people think. As long as you're out there doing your best, that's all you can do."

Much like how the declining Anthony is being chased out of town at the moment, Knicks fans also grew frustrated at Ewing two decades back. He was eventually dealt to the Seattle Supersonics in 2000 after leading the Knicks to 13-straight playoff appearances.

That same episode is now playing itself out 17 years later, although in the case of Anthony he hasn't come close to what Ewing did for the Knicks. The parallels end with Anthony and Ewing's situation, not what they accomplished while wearing the Knicks uniform.