New York Knicks: Pros, Cons Of Phil Jackson’s Tenure As Team President

Con: The Carmelo Anthony Fiasco

There are few who contest the belief that Phil Jackson has handled the Carmelo Anthony saga in a disappointing manner. Some issues have been blown out of proportion, but when the drama persists, it’s hard to single out any one incident.

The Anthony fiasco has spanned from the time he became a free agent to the present day, and that alone is reason to criticize Jackson.

By handing Anthony the no-trade clause, Jackson essentially created every ounce of the drama that’s been created by both sides. He’s created a situation where the front office is essentially powerless and unable to build the team it wants to build.

Though one could argue that Jackson would be more effective with Anthony out of the picture, it’s he who gave Anthony the power to decline a trade.

Since the issuing of the no-trade clause, Jackson has utilized public platforms to constructively criticize Anthony’s game. Even when his comments have been harmless—and when they haven’t been—he’s chosen the wrong platforms.

Anthony may or may not be a star-caliber player in his current state, but he’s still one of the most popular players in the NBA. Jackson’s actions have damaged the Knicks’ reputation.