Phil has a huge ego and I think loved the Idea of coaching in NYC for some time but the reality is the knicks are not a good fit for him at this time.
Reading into any more than what is written is futile.
What is the guy really saying? Who knows.
Is he right? Even if your a knick fan you know he is.
Melo is a ball stopper and thats a problem for a coach if the guy has a huge contract.
Im going to guess money does not turn Phil on any more but the thrill of winning. Im just guessing.
So with the knicks you have a situation where the pieces in place have a ceiling. That does not mean the team will fail btw.
Im also going to guess if Phil goes anywhere he goes to a team that has the abilty to build or rebuild or is already stacked with player.
When your in his position you can do that unless you need the money why would you do otherwise.
Should he say it? Prob not. But Phil speaks.
What does he want? Be a consultant? Coach? Be hands on? Do it from a distance?
Its pretty evident that Phil would not start to build a team around Melo and with Larry still on his mind Dolan likely does not want a guy around that is not on board with his latest creation. After Larry and Donnie he might not want old guys around who have plenty of money and don't play Dolan's game.
So is Phil a good fit for the knicks? Likley not.
Sour grapes? I don't think so. I think he wants to be in NY but not with the knicks.
Is the Russian really commnitted to billy King? Avery? Would Phil live in NYC and do his job or want to do it in Malibu?
Phil got a ton of money, a killer crib in Montana and Malibu and his girl is in Malibu.
Why give that up so you can try to get Melo to give up the ball?