After the New York Knicks’ heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson finally met face-to-face.
Although the Ringling Brothers recently announced they will be closing forever in May, the circus is still very much in town. It’s called the New York Knicks.
On Sunday, Charley Rosen, one of Phil’s confidant’s, published an article that was critical of Anthony’s usefulness in New York.
Two days later, Anthony and Jackson have finally met face-to-face to discuss the future of the Knicks.
Phil Jackson met with Carmelo Anthony today and asked him if he wanted to remain with the Knicks, sources told ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
Drama in New York has reached an all-time high. According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the meeting was a little more heated than previous meetings.
One source described the meeting as far more contentious than previous sit downs between Jackson and Anthony.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
One way or another, I hope this meeting has finally cleared the air between Jackson and Anthony. Whether the Knicks move forward from Anthony or keep him around to see this thing through, it’s important the organization finds stability.
Melo has a no trade clause. So he'd need to waive that. No specific teams discussed. Everyone just processing now.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 17, 2017
In Anthony’s defense, the transgressions that have occurred in the past week weren’t his fault.
Much like his point guard acquisition in the offseason, Jackson has been missing. The last time we heard from Jackson was when he announced through social media that he and longtime girlfriend Jeannie Buss were separating.
Prior to that, Jackson went on CBS to discuss Anthony and his tendency to halt ball movement.
Anthony has answered more questions in the past few days about his future with the Knicks instead of how the team can break out of this funk.
Carmelo Anthony on his loyalty to the Knicks: "I don't think I have to prove that to anybody." -- pic.twitter.com/muJXv3TAbn
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 17, 2017
Things have been spiraling out of control for the past few weeks, and Rosen’s article seemed to be the tipping point for Anthony.
Although it’s pure speculation, many believe that Jackson wanted Rosen to publish that article. Instead of expressing his displeasure with Anthony directly, he allegedly had his confidant write an article incriminating Anthony about his tendency to prefer isolation basketball.
Charley Rosen, author of the column crushing Carmelo, says he's never consulted pal Phil Jackson for his columns: https://t.co/vV8uqb5oGs
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 17, 2017
Rosen said that he has “never consulted with Phil Jackson for his columns,” but some find that incredibly hard to believe. The thought process is that Jackson’s experiment is failing and he needs a scapegoat.
Knowing Anthony wouldn’t approve of this article, it’d force Anthony to request a meeting with Jackson and Steve Mills regarding his future with the Knicks.
Anthony still wants to remain a Knick.
Carmelo Anthony informed Phil Jackson today that he wants to remain with the Knicks, the Daily News has learned. Story coming.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) January 17, 2017
Jackson granted Anthony with a five-year and $124 million dollar contract that included a no-trade clause, and now Jackson is allegedly pulling strings behind the scenes to have Anthony waive that clause.
Being the superstar and leader of this team, Anthony does bear some responsibility for the disappointing season the Knicks are currently enduring.
However, to completely blame Anthony for the Knicks’ 18-24 record is absolutely unfair. Without Anthony, does anybody realistically believe that they would be better than they are now?
A source close to Carmelo Anthony tells the Daily News, "nothing has changed. He wants to stay in New York and win in New York."
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) January 17, 2017
If Anthony had decided to waive his no-trade clause, could anyone have blamed him? No one should continuously have to answer questions about their job security.
I respect Anthony for how he handled this entire situation. The shots kept coming, and he continued to answer appropriately.
There's a reason 'Melo wanted no-trade clause in his contract: He wants to live and play in New York. He won't let Jackson chase him out.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 17, 2017
Hopefully the Knicks finally move forward knowing that everyone is staying put and focus their efforts on winning games. The Knicks are 18-24 and have lost 11 of their last 13 games.
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Many players would have taken the exit door if the opportunity presented itself, but Anthony has continued to keep his promise and win in New York.
Most fans understand that the probability of that happening are slim to none. However, there’s something to be said about an NBA superstar taking the road less traveled instead of leaving for greener pastures. In the era of super teams, Anthony still wants to do it the hard way.
I couldn’t respect it more. If his teammates respect it just as much, maybe this can be the rallying point the Knicks needed to turn this season around.
The Knicks square off against the Boston Celtics tomorrow night and return to Madison Square Garden to battle the Washington Wizards on Thursday.
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With the Knicks season hanging in the balance, the pressure couldn’t be higher for Anthony.