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New York Knicks President Phil Jackson hasn't been shy in revealing his true feelings on Carmelo Anthony. During the Knicks' end of the season presser, Jackson noted that he thought Anthony would “be better off on another team” if he was focused on winning, and all but suggested he should waive his no-trade clause to play for a contender.
Jackson hasn't backed down from his initial comments about the Knicks' star forward, and reiterated those sentiments at the 2017 Draft combine in Chicago.
Via ESPN's Nick Friedell:
“He has a no trade contract. I think I expressed what I felt. I can't express it any better. I thought it was well-said, even though a lot of you didn't feel quite that way. But we'd like him to have success, the opportunity is narrowing. We'd just like him to have success somewhere. We're not going to be there. Hopefully we'll be maybe a playoff team next year. It would be tough to consider us a possible champion.”
Although Jackson clearly doesn't feel like he stepped over the line with his earlier comments about Anthony, the media, as well as many around the league took issue with his words — including executive director of the National Basketball Players Association, Michele Roberts.
Roberts has suggested a hefty fine for Jackson's comments, although that seems unlikely at this point.
Despite people's perception about Jackson and his comments, it's hard to argue he's without a point. The Knicks are clearly on the cusp of a re-build, and the 32-year-old Anthony's career arc doesn't fit in with the Knicks' current trajectory.
Perhaps it would be in both parties' best interest for a split. Although at this point, it definitely won't be an amicable one.
