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Knicks: Phil Jackson And Carmelo Anthony’s Vision For Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson looks on during a stop in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson outlined his vision for free agency. Jackson also revealed what Carmelo Anthony told him about the current state of the roster.

One of the most compelling stories of the 2016 NBA offseason is the influx of cap space possessed by the New York Knicks. Phil Jackson is nearing his third offseason as team president, thus elevating the pressure to entirely new heights.

If Jackson doesn’t come through and provide the Knicks with the necessary weapons, fans will not respond kindly.

The player whom the Knicks are building around is nine-time All-Star Carmelo Anthony. The six-time All-NBA honoree turned 32 years old on May 29, but won the 2013 scoring title and played at a high level in 2015-16.

During an interview with Bruce Beck of NBC 4 New York, Jackson outlined his vision for free agency and revealed Anthony’s thoughts on the process.

"“We have to fill some positions. I’m not so sure it’s everybody’s vision, but mine. But I do have a vision of how it should flesh out.”“In our meeting at the end of the season, Carmelo said, ‘Really, it’s not that bad. I think we have the best frontcourt guys in the Eastern Conference with myself, Robin, and Kristaps. And I agree with him, yes, those are three real potent figures. But we still have guard roles to have to play. So, we’ve got some positions to fill, but not a lot.”"

Those comments create a promising future for Knicks basketball.

As it pertains to the frontcourt, the Knicks finished 2015-16 ranked No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage at the rim. That elite rim protection was built around Robin Lopez and Kristaps Porzingis..

While defense may be their strong suit, both Lopez and Porzingis turned heads offensively, as well.

Porzingis became the first rookie in NBA history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 blocks, and 75 3-point field goals. Lopez, meanwhile, averaged 12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 4.1 offensive boards, and 2.0 blocks in 30.2 minutes after the All-Star Break.

Together, Lopez and Porzingis form one of the best interior duos in the Eastern Conference.

Anthony, meanwhile, ranked No. 2 amongst small forwards in rebounding and set a career-high in assists per game. He struggled to gain the proper elevation on his jump shot as he recovered from knee surgery, but Anthony is one of the most prolific scorers of all-time.

As Jackson acknowledged, however, the Knicks need to improve at the other positions on the floor.

Head coach Jeff Hornacek publicly acknowledged the need to find an upgrade at point guard. Shooting guard may be an even more significant void, with Arron Afflalo‘s player option fully determining the current state of the position.

If Afflalo turns down his player option, the Knicks will enter free agency without a single shooting guard under contract.

must read: Which big-name free agents can the Knicks realistically sign?

Anthony is right that New York isn’t that far from contending. Jackson’s acknowledged need to improve the backcourt is a promising sign that the Knicks will be factors in the very near future.

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