‘OVER’ & ROUT
AFTER BLOWOUT, MELO SAYS HE’S WILLING TO TALK WITH JAX ABOUT ENDING DAYS IN N.Y.
TO RO N TO —Car me l o Anthony has no proof Knicks president Phil Jackson wants him gone, but if Jackson does, the Knicks’ star said he’s willing to talk to the Zen Master about his feelings.
After another horrendous loss, 116-101 to the Raptors at Air Canada Centre on Sunday, which placed the Knicks at 18-23 at the season’s midpoint, Anthony indicated he doesn’t want to be a Knick if Jackson doesn’t want him.
The subject a rose when Anthony was asked after the defeat about a recent scathing column written by Charley Rosen, one of Jackson’s confidants whom Anthony has met several times.
In the piece for Fanragsports. com, Rosen alleged Anthony’s “legs are going, going gone’’ and wrote the bombshell: “The only sure thing is that Carmelo Anthony has outlived his usefulness in New York.”
Anthony hardly discounted the possibility Rosen’s views had Jackson’s fingerprints on them.
“If that’s the case, if that’s where it’s coming from, that side, I guess it’s a conversation we should have,’’ Anthony said. “If they feel my time in New York is over, I guess that’s a conversation we should have.”
Knicks brass has not conveyed that to Anthony, who last February appeared to hedge on his future in New York, saying he would soon discuss it with his management team.
However, Anthony said he hasn’t “even thought about’’ waiving his no-trade clause that once again has become a fan and media topic in the last few days, as the Knicks have lost 10 of their last 12.
Jackson’s most recent public appearance came last month when he read from one of Rosen’s books at the Brooklyn Public Library as part of Rosen’s publisher’s anniversary party.
“Listen, if that’s how they feel, if that’s coming from that side, then that’s what’s coming from that side,’’ Anthony said. “I haven’t thought once about that. I hear it, hear all the rhetoric going on out there. I still come to work every day, play and bust my ass and try not worry about it.’’
In an email to The Post, Rosen said the piece “was totally my opinion — I’ve never spoke to Phil about this.’’
Jackson’s most recent public comment on Anthony concerned his style as a ball-stopper who can disrupt the flow of a triangle offense — which was nicer description than how Rosen put it Thursday’s piece.
“As ever, he’s still a dangerous scorer but resists any offensive game plan that limits his one-onone adventures,” Rosen wrote.
Anthony said he’s aware the Knicks’ recent crash, along with Kristaps Porzingis’ lingering Achilles tendinitis, has led some to wonder whether Jackson should attempt to blow up the team and start again.
“They want me out?’’ Anthony said. “People can have their own opinion, but I haven’t spoken about it. I haven’t mentioned it, not once. That’s been the trend when you start losing.’’
When the club is in a tailspin, Anthony said he’s always pegged as the culprit
“I think I posted that the other day,’’ Anthony said. “When we lose, it’s me. When we win, it’s us. That’s how I feel. It is what it is.”
After not making the playoffs three straight years, the Knicks, at midseason, are on pace for a 36-win season.
“It’s a disappointment, but what can we do other than try to change it at this point?’’ Anthony said.
The Knicks face the Hawks on Monday in their Martin Luther King Day matinee, and Anthony senses desperation.
“I don’t feel like the season is slipping away, but it doesn’t feel like an average slump either, because we’re much better than what we’re putting out on the court,’’ he said.
Anthony scored 18 points Sunday on 7-of-14 shooting, but was removed late in the third quarter and didn’t return, playing just 25 minutes. The Knicks fell behind by as many as 38 points in the third, and their bench outscored their starters, 61-40.
Jeff Hornacek indicated a lineup change may be considered as the bench, led by Ron Baker, cut the deficit to 14 in the fourth quarter. Starting shooting guard Courtney Lee admitted the bench group is playing with more energy than the starters.
“Everyone has their own assessment and opinions and you have to respect that,’’ Anthony said. “Courtney is a starter on this team. That’s the issue for what he feels like is happening. We have to step up to the plate, change our focus and change our energy, and we have to answer that. If that is what he said, then I agree with him. He’s a starter on this team for a reason and one of the leaders on this team. If he sees something, we have to follow that lead.’’