While George Karl doubted the potential influence of his conversation with Carmelo Anthony, he did come away with a positive feeling.
"I think right now everybody is sensitive to talking about it, but in general, I thought it was a very positive conversation," Karl said. "Kind of what I said in my (media day) press conference, I said to him: I think this is the best team for you, from what I know of the situation. It's a great city. Why can't we be the team that creates the great team? Next year we will have a salary cap situation that will be the first time positive probably for five or six years."
Karl said his talk Thursday with Melo wasn't any different from what the two have had in the past.
"I think Melo was very respectful, and we have a good rapport," Karl said. "We have a good interchange on almost anything, from betting on the Steelers and Ravens (game) to talking about Carolina and Syracuse to talking about our kids. We have a good rapport."