Is Carmelo Anthony at fault for all the Knicks woes since Phil Jackson has been the Knicks President? No. Is he a huge part of the problem? Absolutely. If you think for a second, even a blink of the eye that Phil Jackson felt that Carmelo Anthony could lead the Knicks to the promised land you are surely mistaken. I don’t think Phil Jackson ever felt Carmelo Anthony was a leader type. Jackson deferred to fans and ownership in what was the beginning of his job. Jackson felt Carmelo was a good enough player to get the Knicks into the playoffs but nothing more. He appeased the “let’s win now” mentality of New Yorkers.
On the other hand when it comes to Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose? That’s where I might give Jackson a nice spanking. But again, this New York. This is win now. What the hell else was Jackson supposed to do? 3 years in and you’re expecting a championship? I really don’t think Phil Jackson is going to want his legacy to be “failed President in New York.” If that overshadows his coaching career he’s going to be more than pissed off.
Remember, he signed a 5 year deal with the Knicks. I for one would be very welcome to a totally stripped down team to build around KP. I just don’t think fans are patient enough. And remember, James Dolan is still the owner. As long as that’s a truth, the Knicks are pretty much doomed no matter who they bring in. But let me say this, it’s not Phil Jackson’s fault. If I’m not mistaken most fans were pretty psyched about Rose and Noah in the beginning of the season. Then they soured. But that’s not Phil Jackson’s fault. Fault for bringing them to the team? Sure, maybe, but not his fault for them not playing up to speed.
Plus Rose was a pretty formidable point guard this season. At least way more so than people expected and certainly better than the Knicks have had for over a decade. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. This whole thing is about the fact that Carmelo Anthony should have never been brought over to the Knicks in the first place and it’s not Phil Jackson who brought him over.
I’d give the Knicks one more crappy season next year and as long as Jackson is there and there are zero signs of improvement in 2019? Then we can really lay into the guy. But until the Knicks are rid of Anthony, you just can’t pin this all on Phil.
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