Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, right, hits a shot over Knicks forward Obi Toppin, left, during the first half of an NBA game in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 24. Credit: AP/Steve Dykes
Even when he was out of the game for nearly a year, Carmelo Anthony made an appearance at Madison Square Garden, sitting courtside for a game between the Knicks and the Miami Heat for his friend Dwyane Wade’s farewell appearance. And in street clothes he still got a huge ovation from the Garden crowd.
But when he steps onto the floor Saturday afternoon, it will be an odd feeling, familiar and a homecoming of sorts, but without a fan in the building.