This isn’t to say the Knicks are better off with Melo than without: He’s 11 years older than Kristaps Porzingis and whoever New York is likely to pick in the lottery this June. But Jackson gave Carmelo the no-trade clause in 2014. You can’t reasonably expect Anthony to tear it up now.

That no-trade clause is power. He earned it. It is his to tear up or to use. He would be well within his rights to use it and to tell Jackson and the Knicks and the whole world that he’s not going anywhere until his contract ends.

Is it worth it to Melo to make this stand? Is it worth risking another wasted season in the wasteland of Knicksdom? Only he knows. But on the principle alone, he’d be well within reason to refuse to bend to Jackson’s desires.

Not many teams still have Allen viewed as a top-10 player because of his injury concerns, but the Bears do. Barring a major change of heart (or a trade back), Allen likely will be their pick.

Westbrook has my vote even though LeBron is the best player in the world. For most of the season, that’s where I assumed my vote was headed. But the carelessness with which the Cavs finished the regular season changed my thinking. In any case, it’s evident that Westbrook, Harden, and Leonard had stronger seasons statistically.

Paul’s almost-heroics actually started with a defensive play on a fast break with five-and-a-half minutes left. One on two, he managed to spook George Hill by taking a step toward him. When Hill tried to bounce the ball to his teammate, Paul swiped it as if it was meant for him.

Then Paul hit a jump shot. Then a floater while drawing the foul against Hill. He made another layup soon after, followed by a three-point shot that brought the Clippers within one with three minutes left.