Knicks legend helping Russell Wilson learn how to play in New York

Russell Wilson will be in the brightest spotlight of his career when he plays his first game as quarterback for the New York Giants, and he sought counsel from one of city's most famous athletes on how to navigate the pressures of playing in the Big Apple.

Former Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony spoke to Wilson to give his advice, and Wilson detailed the conversation in an interview with SI's Conor Orr. 

“Me and Carmelo were talking about this,” Wilson told Orr. “He’s like, ‘Man, this is the perfect place for you to reestablish and have everybody realize who Russell Wilson really is, by not just how you play on the field, but what you do, the community and different things that you’re able to impact.’ And people, it doesn’t get any bigger than New York City.”

Wilson's career between college and the NFL has taken him to NC State, Wisconsin, Seattle, Denver, and Pittsburgh - none of which holds a candle to the attention and pressure an athlete faces in New York City.

Anthony, on the other hand, spent six-and-a-half seasons right in the throngs of the pressure, serving as the face of the Knicks the entire time. While his teams often fell short of expectations, Anthony played arguably the best basketball of his career there, including setting the record for most points scored in a game at Madison Square Garden with 62 against the Charlotte Bobcats on January 24, 2014.

Anthony is beloved by New Yorkers everywhere, and Wilson will hope to leave a similar impact on the city in his one year with the Giants.