I heard Stephan A. say on "FIRST TAKE" this morning that a reliable source from within stating melo is gone after the season(and he hoped they were wrong, but he doubt it) and there's no if and's about it..THEN I READ THIS
Carmelo Anthony still has not spoken with Phil Jackson, acknowledging that Tuesday "probably will be my first day" when the Knicks finally introduce the Hall of Famer as their new president of basketball operations.
But Anthony, who has stated his intention to opt out of the final year of his contract to test free agency this summer, clearly has warmed to the idea that Jackson's presence in the front office should help lure other star players to New York.
"The big picture, absolutely, for the big picture this is definitely more attractive," Anthony said after practice Monday in Greenburgh.
"I'm willing to do whatever. As long as it's gonna put me in a situation to win, I'm willing to do whatever. I'm not sold or stuck on my play. What I've been able to do these past 10-11 years has gotten me at where I am right now.
"If Phil wants to come in and change that this late in my career, if it's going to help me out to win a championship, I'm with it."
Anthony, Mike Woodson and other Knicks have said numerous times in the past week that they hope to sit down with Jackson — who won a record 11 NBA titles as coach of the Bulls and Lakers, and two as a player with the Knicks in the 1970s — to discuss their immediate futures.
Phil Jackson brings an impressive resume to the Knicks, with 11 titles as a coach.
NICK STERN.Phil Jackson brings an impressive resume to the Knicks, with 11 titles as a coach.
"Just to see that move happening, I think for everybody as an organization, as a city, as a whole, our fans in general as well, everybody's excited to see that. We playing good basketball right now, too, so it's like a lot of things coming into place right now," Anthony said of the Knicks, who are riding a season-long six-game winning streak entering Wednesday's home game against East-leading Indiana.
"It's special. I don't want to say this is his home, but he's won championships here as a player in New York.
"I've said numerous times what he's been able to bring to the game of basketball is unprecedented. So hopefully we can work it out and he can build something here as well."
Anthony reiterated that he hasn't solicited advice from friends who have played for Jackson, such as Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, because he wants to hear Jackson's future plan for the Knicks firsthand.
"I haven't talked to any of them guys," Anthony said. "As far as knowing what it takes to win, Phil is the best to ever do it. So for me to be able to have the opportunity and have him by my side, for him to teach me, you know, because I'm still willing to learn the game of basketball. I haven't won anything, and he's won a lot. I can learn a lot from him and his system, things that he wants to incorporate here.
I'm hoping and praying this all works.
Carmelo Anthony doesn’t expect the Knicks to suddenly change their philosophy the moment Phil Jackson arrives in New York on Tuesday.
JARED WICKERHAM/GETTY IMAGES
Carmelo Anthony doesn’t expect the Knicks to suddenly change their philosophy the moment Phil Jackson arrives in New York on Tuesday.
"His resume is his resume, you can't change that. Everybody sees that regardless of who you are, what type of player you are, you see a Phil Jackson resume and you automatically gravitate towards that."
Anthony also was asked if Jackson's pending arrival and the Knicks' recent turnaround has provided a boost in attitude for him and his teammates.
"I'll always try to remain positive throughout this whole season. Even when we were losing games, I always was saying we're going to get through this, we're going to get through this. Now we're playing our best basketball. We want to continue doing that," Anthony said.
"Whatever Phil has in play, his plan, I don't think it's going to be incorporated right now. It's not something that's going to change right now.
"As players, what we have to focus on is winning basketball games and trying to make this push. We let the front office handle what they have to handle. They made a move, they did it, they validated that. So we don't want to deal with that no more. We want to focus on playing ball."
THAT'S PERSONAL
Tyson Chandler, who missed two games before returning for Saturday's win against Milwaukee, left the team again for personal reasons, but the Knicks said he's expected to play Wednesday against the Pacers.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/melo-open-changing-game-fit-phil-title-blueprint-article-1.1724298#ixzz2wFu3EjSE
3/17/2014 2:52 PM