Knicks, Jackson approach crossroads with Anthony
Keen basketball observers didn’t think it was wise for the New York Knicks to trade for Carmelo Anthony in February 2011. The Knicks did anyway.
Some, including Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck, asserted that the Knicks should part ways with Anthony at the 2014 trade deadline, when he was in the final season of his contract. The Knicks didn’t, and then they hired Phil Jackson as team president in March 2014 to rebuild the stagnant franchise. That summer, the Knicks didn’t have to sign Anthony.
But they chose to, giving him a five-year, $124 million con- tract, and 21⁄ seasons later, the 18-24 Knicks are in no better position to compete for a title than they were when Jackson took over. Anthony, a nine-time All-Star, is often the scapegoat.
After Sunday’s loss to the Toronto Raptors, Anthony told reporters: “If they feel my time in
New York is over, I guess that’s a conversation we should have.”
Anthony’s comments were in response to a story by longtime Jackson associate Charley Rosen, who wrote on Fanragsports.com, “The only sure thing is that Carmelo Anthony has outlived his usefulness in New York.”
This is front office implosion. Even if this message isn’t from Jackson through Rosen — and Rosen insists it’s not — it appears that way, and it’s an unbecoming look. Other players around the league (many who like Anthony) notice, and it doesn’t make the struggling Knicks an attractive destination. Players want a front office that supports, not undermines, players and the team.
This situation is the Knicks’ doing. Management is responsible for struggling in the East. Management is responsible for Anthony’s contract. Now, Anthony’s departure is a topic again. But it’s a secondary topic. He has a no-trade clause, likes where he lives and works, and isn’t much interested in leaving.
Even if Anthony waived his notrade clause, what team wants to take on the remaining $54.1 million left on his deal through 2018-19?
There’s a larger issue: The star player and team who invested in him are headed for a showdown when it could have been avoided. How they resolve it is important to New York’s rebuilding effort.
It’s hard to see — based on history — how the Knicks come out winners in this power struggle, which could end up with owner James Dolan picking a winner.
The Knicks made a decision to give Anthony the big contract and build around him. It hasn’t worked, and that’s not Anthony’s fault. Of course, he has his flaws, but those were known.
Jackson’s team-building efforts deserve closer scrutiny. Give him credit for drafting Kristaps Porzingis and trying to add depth.
But he signed center Joakim Noah to a four-year, $72 million in July. And while trading for Derrick Rose, who is in the final year of his contract, wasn’t horrible, the Knicks will need to pay Rose in the summer or find another point guard. The roster is far from a finished product.
The Knicks are also on their third coach since Jackson took over, just 67-139 in two-plus seasons and have not made the playoffs since 2013. Forget competing for a title. They’re barely competing for the East’s eighth seed.
Part of an executive’s job is foresight. Part of an exec’s job is taking a step backward so a team can move forward. Perhaps Anthony has outlived his usefulness in New York. That’s immaterial. Maybe it’s not his usefulness that should be questioned. How is Jackson going to fix this? Can he fix it?