Phil Jackson has agreed to join the New York Knicks, and Carmelo Anthony had nothing to do with it.
That’s what the latest reports said, and now Melo backs that up on the record.
Chris Herring of The Wall Street Journal
Carmelo says it couldn't hurt to have Jackson involved in front office
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) March 12, 2014
Carmelo says he doesn't see the Jackson acquisition as impacting his FA decision a ton
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) March 12, 2014
Should've added before: Carmelo said front-office folks approached him about the Phil Jackson pursuit a few days ago.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) March 12, 2014
Carmelo says he has great respect for Phil Jackson. But said he's actually never spoken to him before.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) March 12, 2014
With three and a half months until Melo hits free agency, there’s still a chance for Jackson to develop a relationship with the Knicks star. But – although he respects Jackson, as anyone around the NBA would – Melo doesn’t seem terribly enthused by this move.
It seems James Dolan is the only one starstruck by Jackson.
If Jackson is going to keep Melo – or fix the Knicks some other way – it will take hard work and savvy decision-making. Maybe Jackson is up to the task, but with no front-office experience, it’s difficult to predict he is. Coaching skills don’t necessarily translate to management skills.
There is no magic wand that can solve all New York’s problems, including how to handle Melo this summer. Melo isn’t expecting there to be one.
Are the Knicks?
