Carmelo Anthony didn’t attend Phil Jackson’s Triangle Offense seminar, but the New York Knicks star maintains that he believes in The Zen Master’s vision.
One of the more captivating moments of Phil Jackson‘s tenure as team president of New York Knicks occurred earlier this month. The Zen Master led a seminar on the Triangle Offense, during which Knicks players were able to learn the ins and outs of the decorated system from the 11-time NBA champion himself.
The most glaring of omissions from the list of players who attended was franchise player Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony’s absence has garnered a mixed response from fans and critics. Some believe that it was a sign of a growing discord between he and Jackson, while others have brushed it aside as a virtual non-factor.
Anthony told Ian Begley of ESPN that his decision to not attend the Triangle Offense seminar shouldn’t influence the public’s perception of whether or not he and Jackson are on the same page.
"“I don’t think nobody should look to, should even look at that. That was more for younger guys who was up there working out, training,” Anthony told ESPN during a promotional appearance for Gillette. “Phil did that, Phil spoke to the people he wanted there. So it wasn’t something that was mandatory, it wasn’t something (where) I was supposed to be there.”"
It would’ve been nice to see Anthony at the seminar, but he maintains that his absence wasn’t an issue.
Anthony will turn 32 years old on May 29, which creates a very limited window for elusive postseason success. With just one trip beyond the second round in 13 NBA seasons, he’s understandably eager to finally break through and win a championship.
The fact that LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade—all of whom were selected with Anthony in the Top 5 of the 2003 NBA Draft—have won multiple titles only adds to the pressure.
The Knicks have created the foundation for success with power forward Kristaps Porzingis and center Robin Lopez. Jerian Grant has promise at point guard, and Tony Wroten has similar potential, but the roster still has holes in it.
According to Ian Begley of ESPN, Anthony still believes in Jackson’s vision for the team—and knows that he has no other choice than to do so.
"“I don’t really know what’s happening as far as the coaching decisions and the players. At this point, I still have to believe in what Phil is doing. I can’t say that I don’t believe in him no more, this is over with. I still have to believe in him. I’m here, I still want to be here. I still want to be successful so I don’t have no other choice but to believe in what’s his plan.”"
That’s not the most ringing endorsement of Jackson’s vision for the Knicks, but it’s an important quote.
The hope is that Jackson can lure enough talent to New York to properly complement Anthony as the Knicks pursue a return to championship glory. That won’t be the easiest course of action, but it’s the pressure the front office will face during the summer of 2016.
The question is, can Jackson do enough to help Anthony win his elusive first championship in New York?
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If Jackson’s polarizing tactics fail to pay off, no player will suffer more than Anthony.