INDIANAPOLIS — Will this MSG circus ultimately lead Carmelo Anthony to want to bolt town this summer as a free agent?
Knicks coach Mike Woodson doesn’t think so, repeating Melo’s words from November that he believes he’ll “retire’’ in orange and blue.
Anthony has supported J.R. Smith during his crisis with Woodson and Knicks brass that has led to two full-game benchings in the last four contests, having lost his spot as first wing off the bench to rookie Tim Hardaway Jr.
Anthony repeatedly has said the Knicks need Smith on the court but won’t interfere. Anthony is a longtime teammate of Smith back to their Denver days. But as The Post reported in 2012, he had his concerns about Smith joining him in New York because of his baggage.
But that’s not enough persuade Anthony to leave the Knicks, according to Woodson.
“There’s a concern, but again Melo’s wearing a Knick uniform,” Woodson said on his weekly ESPN Radio appearance. “I think Melo loves playing in New York. I think he’s been one of the bright spots this year. He hasn’t taken any games off — solid all the way through our ups and downs. That’s a sign of a true pro. Melo trying to do the right things. As far as Melo leaving New York, in my heart I don’t think he’s going to leave New York. I think he’ll retire a New York Knick. That’s my own personal belief.’’
After the benching of Smith on Tuesday at Charlotte, Anthony said, “The only thing I could do is keep giving him positive energy. That’s the only thing I could do. Whatever’s going on with him and Woody, they have to deal with that. Of course we missed him. He’s a big part of our team. Sometimes the way he goes, we go. We miss him. Hopefully this will be it.’’