Carmelo Anthony taking realistic approach to 2014-15: 'Right now, we have what we have'

When Carmelo Anthony re-signed with the New York Knicks this offseason, he was quick to say he'd "absolutely" be back in the playoffs in 2014-15.

That's not an unrealistic goal for the team this season, but it would seem strange if Anthony agreed to a long-term deal with only a playoff berth in mind. New team president Phil Jackson doesn't seem the type to settle for a first round exit, either.

It's not surprising, then, that Anthony opened training camp this week speaking of the long-view in Gotham.

"For this season, right now, we have what we have," Anthony said. "We're going to deal with that. That was a big discussion with me and Phil -- that was one of my things."

The message is fairly clear: Anthony needs help to win, but re-loading wasn't a reasonable request in the summer of 2014. In the meantime, the elements of the triangle offense being employed are expected to lessen the load on Anthony, as is a more permanent home at small forward.

The league's "most underrated superstar" - oh wait, "I don't feel like that" - may not get the requisite respect until he's had a little more playoff success. He's been out of the first round of the playoffs just twice in his career and never made an NBA finals, realities that may not change for at least one more season.

The five-year contract gives him, and Jackson, the time necessary to build a more sustainable winner and accomplish those goals. In theory.