Aug 12, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; United States forward Carmelo Anthony (15) reacts after a blocked shot during the game against Serbia in the preliminary round of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Carioca Arena 1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

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New York Knicks legend and 1970 NBA MVP Willis Reed offered high praise for current franchise player and 2013 scoring champion Carmelo Anthony.

The New York Knicks have played home to some of the greatest pure talents in NBA history. From Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing to Bernard King and Michael Ray Richardson, there have been no shortage of transcendent performers.

Perhaps the greatest player in franchise history is one who didn’t get by on his physical gifts, but his unbreakable work ethic: Willis Reed.

Reed is the only player in franchise history to win the NBA MVP award. He was also the Finals MVP for the only two championship teams in Knicks history.

According to Christian Red of The New York Daily News, Reed has nothing but praise for current Knicks star Carmelo Anthony and his all-time offensive game.

“I watched Melo in the Olympics. Man, what would I give to have the offensive game that (Anthony) has. Boy, let me tell you something. I watched him freshman year at Syracuse — one thing that kid knows, he can score. He’s a great offensive player. Hopefully the team will be better,” says Reed.

The numbers back that statement up.

Anthony is No. 29 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 22,497 career points. His career average of 24.94 points per game ranks No. 13 all-time. It sits just 0.05 points per contest behind Kobe Bryant at No. 12.

Anthony is also Team USA’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic play.

Offensively, there aren’t many players in the history of the game who can do what Anthony is capable of. The hope is that, in 2016-17, Anthony can push the Knicks down a path to achieving what Reed did.

A championship has been elusive since Reed led the Knicks to the title in 1973.

The question is: can Anthony’s all-time offensive game anchor the push to end that drought?