Bernard King has paid close attention to his two former teams -- the New York Knicks and the Nets -- and their budding rivalry, and the soon-to-be Hall of Famer believes Carmelo Anthony will rise among the elite NBA players next season.

“Melo is going to be Melo,’’ King said. “I’m sure he’s going to be better than last year and want to continue ascend in the top two, three guys in the league, which he is. He is part of that in my opinion.’’

King also endorsed the Knicks' addition of Andrea Bargnani.