Carmelo Anthony Says He’s Preparing For Better Competition In The East

The Western Conference has been the power conference in the NBA since 1998, or post Jordan. A really good season in the West sometimes would only merit a 7th or 8th seed come playoff time.  In the east, a record under .500 could still merit a 7th or 8th seed in the East. The Knicks have risen, and the Pacers and Nets have a loaded group that can compete with the Bulls or Heat.  The East has now become the premiere conference in some eyes. Carmelo Anthony is aware of that shift in power, and told ESPN New York that “he’s preparing for better competition in the East this season.” “When I was in the Western Conference, everybody was talking about how the West is so much better,” he told ESPNNewYork.com on Wednesday. “But now, the power has shifted back into the Eastern Conference, so we’re ready. We’re excited about that.” “I think we have the talent,” he said. “I think the most important thing is injuries, for one, and then everybody just coming together and just taking on the challe