Even by the lofty standard set by the New York Knicks, the last week or so of the franchise has been amazingly dysfunctional. For example, Kristaps Porzingis seems like he is beyond fed up with all of the politics and silliness that come with playing for New York.
But the most fascinating aspect of the last few days has been the growing tensions between Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson. The pair haven’t exactly had a great relationship since the Zen Master came to New York – Jackson seemed like he was actively trying to force Anthony out at the trade deadline, for example – but somehow, things have gotten even worse between the two.
Jackson was asked about Anthony at a media availability, which led to him remarking that “We’ve not been able to win with him on the court at this time. I think the direction with our team is that he is a player that would be better off somewhere else and using his talents somewhere he can win, or chase that championship.”
This is a stunning thing for Jackson to say, as he’s not even trying to be tactful with his public requests that Anthony waives his no-trade clause so he can be shipped out of town. It led to National Basketball Players Association executive director Michelle Roberts releasing a statement about Jackson’s actions.
NBPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MICHELE ROBERTS STATEMENT ON PHIL JACKSON’S COMMENTS ON CARMELO ANTHONY. pic.twitter.com/xWXKS5gPG5
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) April 16, 2017
Even if the league responds to Jackson’s statement with some kind of punitive measure, it seems like the only resolution to this is for either Jackson or Anthony to leave New York. Jackson is going to be there for another two years, while a report from around the trade deadline suggested that Jackson’s actions were steeling Anthony’s resolve to stay with the franchise, which he didn’t really want to leave, anyway.
Neither guy seems like he is going to give an inch, so be prepared for the next chapter of this saga to be written sometime soon.
