Phil Jackson Reflects on Contentious Tenure with the New York Knicks
Phil Jackson, a name synonymous with NBA success, both as a player and a coach, had a less than stellar run as president of the New York Knicks. Joining the team in 2014, his time in New York was marked by a disappointing record of 80 wins and 166 losses. Now, in his upcoming book, “Masters of the Game,” Jackson sheds light on some of the challenges he faced, particularly his strained relationship with then-Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
Jackson, who famously coached Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers to multiple championships, winning 11 titles in total, brought high expectations to the Knicks. However, his vision for the team, which heavily relied on the “triangle offense,” clashed with Anthony’s playing style, creating friction that ultimately contributed to Jackson’s departure.
According to reports, Jackson felt that the Knicks were not on a path to championship contention with Anthony as their centerpiece. He even suggested to Knicks owner James Dolan that trading Anthony might be in the best interest of both the player and the team. Jackson believed Anthony, a future Hall of Famer, deserved to be on a team with a legitimate shot at winning a title.
Jackson acknowledged that his relationship with Anthony was “busted,” and this breakdown played a significant role in his decision to leave the Knicks. He recounted a conversation with Dolan, who expressed concern about the media scrutiny Jackson was facing. Jackson claimed that Dolan said “I don’t want you to go through it. I know what it’s like to deal with these people.’ I said, ‘Unfortunately my relationship with Carmelo is kind of busted, and if he’s going to be here, it’s probably best that I go.'” Ultimately, Jackson’s departure was a mutual decision.
Adding to the complexity, former Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek reportedly observed that Anthony preferred to have the ball in his hands, a style that didn’t necessarily align with the triangle offense’s emphasis on ball movement and shared responsibility.
Three months after Jackson’s exit, Anthony waived his no-trade clause and was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony wanted to be on a team that had the potential to win the NBA Championship. That move marked his last stint in the NBA.
Jackson’s tenure with the Knicks also saw drama with Kristaps Porziņģis.
Jackson’s time with the Knicks serves as a reminder that even the most successful figures in sports can face challenges and that chemistry and shared vision are crucial for team success.
