In 2012-13, Jason Kidd helped transform the New York Knicks’ ISO-based offense into one that complemented its star scorer with historical marksmanship from 3-point range. Behind Kidd’s veteran leadership, New York set a now broken record for 3-point field goals made in a single season.

While many have been critical of the Knicks, Kidd believes that his former teammate, Carmelo Anthony, can help turn things around—both on and off the court.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, Kidd believes that Anthony can be a magnet for big-name free agents during the summer of 2015.

“Melo is a talented player; he’s a great guy on and off the floor,” Kidd said. “So I wouldn’t see that there would be problems with guys coming in to play [with him].” Kidd added of Carmelo: “Playing with him as a teammate, he was a guy that showed up every night, wanted the ball late. So when you have guys like that it makes the game easier.”

Kidd, one of the greatest facilitators in NBA history, understands the value of having a great scorer to call a teammate.

Anthony’s resume is without a championship, but individually, he’s one of the greatest players of his era. He won the 2013 scoring title with Kidd running point and is a six-time All-NBA honoree with 10 postseason appearances in 12 seasons.

The only two seasons in which Anthony has failed to lead his team to the playoffs: a disastrous 2013-14 and an injury-plagued rebuilding year in 2014-15.

Carmelo Anthony and Jason Kidd led the New York Knicks to 54 wins in 2012-13—the team’s most since 1996-97. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

As Phil Jackson and the Knicks target the top free agents on the open market, Anthony will play a major factor in the outcome of those pursuits. Anthony, who will turn 31 in May, is in the first season of a five-year, $124 million contract.

Once the salary cap does rise, Anthony’s cap hit will be significant. He’ll make nearly $24.6 million in 2016-17, roughly $26.2 million in 2017-18 and has an Early Termination Option in 2018-19 for approximately $28 million in 2018-19.

Thus, any free agent who signs in New York will be doing so with the understanding that Anthony will take up a significant chunk of the cap space over the next three or four seasons.

In Kidd’s eyes, Anthony’s competitive nature and scoring prowess will be very attractive come free agency. Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher are certainly hoping so.