UPDATE: Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has made explosive revelations about his tumultuous relationship with Carmelo Anthony, stating it ultimately forced him to exit the New York Knicks in June 2017. In his forthcoming book, “Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players,” set for release on Tuesday, Jackson addresses the deep-seated tension that marked his tenure as Knicks president from 2014 to 2017.
Jackson’s candid remarks come in a chapter dedicated to Anthony, where he recounts a pivotal conversation with Knicks owner James Dolan. Dolan expressed concerns about the media’s scrutiny, to which Jackson replied, “Unfortunately my relationship with Carmelo is kind of busted, and if he’s going to be here, it’s probably best that I go.” This admission underscores the extent of their discord and the challenges Jackson faced during his presidency.
The strained dynamic between Jackson and Anthony has been well-documented, with Jackson publicly criticizing the star forward, leading to significant backlash. Jackson’s exit didn’t resolve the issues; just three months later, Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder after waiving his no-trade clause.
In a shocking statement, Anthony previously remarked, “When I left New York, I didn’t leave New York. I got pushed out of New York. Phil pushed me out of New York. I struggled to leave New York.” This highlights the emotional turmoil surrounding the Knicks’ management during this period.
Jackson’s book also touches upon other controversial decisions, including the ill-fated hiring of coach Derek Fisher, which he admits was a mistake. He reflects, “He wasn’t ready to coach,” indicating the missteps that plagued the franchise under his leadership. Jackson further revealed that his role cost him his relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss due to league pressures over potential collusion.
As the NBA community braces for the book’s release, fans and analysts alike are eager to explore Jackson’s insights on legendary players he coached, including Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan.
The revelations in “Masters of the Game” are poised to reignite discussions around the Knicks’ past struggles and the future direction of the franchise. With Jackson’s candid reflections now in the spotlight, all eyes will be on how this impacts perceptions of both him and Anthony as they continue their respective journeys in the NBA.
Stay tuned for the latest updates as this story develops.
