New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony and Bilingual ESPN Anchor Alfredo Lomeli Thoughts on Sports and Athleticism in the Lives of Children & the Impending Playoffs [Part III] [INTERVIEW]

Continuation of Bilingual ESPN Anchor Alfredo Lomeli: Undocumented in America and Gaining Citizenship [Part I] [INTERVIEW]; Voy a triunfar el doble: ESPN Anchor Alfredo Lomeli Shares the Importance of Bilingualism & Thoughts on Citizenship [Part II] [INTERVIEW]

In the New York Knicks' locker room, post-game, subsequent to the Knicks' loss to the Cavaliers (106 to 100) on March 23, Carmelo Anthony told Latin Post his thoughts on sports and athleticism and its importance in the lives of young Latinos.

"Athleticism; some people are born with natural ability...," said Anthony, 29. "And some young men and women have to work at it, however. It's just important to work toward good health, and to work hard. And, to try to get that [mindset] in at an early age," Anthony said, seemingly exhausted after hours on the hardwood court, and after minutes of routine inquisition from dozens of reporters-which follows wins or losses.

The team's unfortunate loss that evening, however, marked their first loss after an eight game winning streak; and perhaps, foretold the end, despite locker room assurances that the team would "get on the road and turn it around." That loss would be followed by a defeat by the Lakers; and an interchange of wins and losses against the Sacramento Kings, the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors, the Utah Jazz, the Brooklyn Nets, the Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, and the Chicago Bulls.

Nonetheless, wins, such as the Knicks' win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, April 14, are now fairly meaningless, as the Knicks won't be contenders during this year's playoffs, not after the Atlanta Hawks' win over the Miami Heat (a huge upset). Many expected that the Knicks wouldn't make the playoffs this year, including Bilingual ESPN anchor Alfredo Lomeli's, who spoke with Latin Post in mid-March about the team's chances of making it to the playoffs this year.

"Look, I'm not a hater of the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony, as a player he is one of my favorite, he's just not a leader. It's something that you can't attribute to age anymore, because he's about to be thirty... you have to realize that he's just one of those players," Lomeli said. "I'd like it if they made it to the playoffs... just because it would be a great Cinderella story, but I don't think they are [going to make it]. It's too unrealistic to expect Phil Jackson to come to New York and switch things around. He's great, but he's not a magician. He is the most successful coach in the history of the sport, and you know... of any sport, pretty much. It's going to take some time, he's going to switch things around next season... as much as he can," said Lomeli, who is the host on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes.

"And, he has to keep Carmelo... first thing, first. He can't forget about this season, but he has to worry about next season. Number one on his list should be to keep Carmelo in New York... if he can do that, then maybe we can really start to talk about Knicks making the playoffs. But this season... no, I'm sorry... it's too little too late. You just have to realize that... it's not the end of the world, but the Knicks have everything on paper to be one of the amazing franchises in the league, but not this year."

Those skeptical of the Knicks winning a championship this year have been proven correct, and Lomeli's suspicions have been realized.

What's yet to be told, however, is whether Phil Jackson will be able to keep Anthony in New York with the looming promise of a future championship ring and a cushy paycheck. This year, Anthony is out of the playoffs for the first time in his career, and the Nuggets get the Knicks' lottery pick from the Melo trade.

Lomeli, who, like Anthony, believes that sports are indispensible for youth not only in America but international, stated that the Knicks have had a rocky season that's proven to be difficult for the players, the owners and the coach. Going back to the fundamentals and using the next two games against the Brooklyn Nets and the Toronto Raptors, albeit inconsequential games, to show that the team does not go down easily could simply be valuable for morale, if nothing else. J.R. Smith and Amar'e Stoudemire and other reliable Knicks players should continue to stabilize scoring by showing up and performing; perhaps doing it as a possible farewell gesture to Afro-Puerto Rican teammate Carmelo Anthony, who may make a run for a different team.

It's been stated, while Anthony is a strong player...he isn't a top-10 player and may not be among the top 50 when his contract ends, and that may him less valuable than the Knicks may think he is.

Tweets by @Alfredo_Lomeli