Boeheim Defends Carmelo Anthony [AUDIO]

All around it's been a troubling year for the New York Knicks (21-36) who have had a rough season all the way around.

Heading into a free agent year, a lot of the talk has been about Carmelo Anthony and his former college head coach Jim Boeheim went to bat for the once Syracuse Orangeman on Wednesday.

Audio: Armen Williams Explains Why Boeheim's Comments Are Disturbing

"He's playing his heart out this year," said Boeheim, on 104.5 The Team with Colin Cowherd. "He's playing the best I've ever seen him play. He's working at it, he's rebounding, he's scoring, he's doing what his team needs him to do."

Notice: Boeheim didn't say the p-word. PASSING.

"They're just not good enough. I don't think you can blame that on one player. He's doing everything he can do and he's playing hard. I don't think you can fault his effort this year."

When you're making $21.39 million in one season, it's OK to blame it on one person. Yes, you can do that. Is that fair in this case? Probably not, that Knicks have 100 reasons at to why they stink.

But if the Knicks are losing at this rate when 'Melo's playing his best, then I'm sorry, but this guy is NOT the future answer.

"He likes New York," continued Boeheim. "He wants to play in New York and I think it's good. I think he's a good fit, I think he thrives there. I think he's got to be where they at least have a chance to win. Can they do that in New York? I don't know. I don't have the answer to that."

If this is the best Carmelo can get, then the answer is not with 'Melo.