UPDATE: Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson reveals in his upcoming book that his strained relationship with Carmelo Anthony played a critical role in his departure from the New York Knicks in June 2017. The revelations, featured in “Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players,” set to launch on Tuesday, detail the tensions that ultimately led to his exit.
Jackson, who served as Knicks president from 2014 to 2017, describes a pivotal conversation with team owner James Dolan where the future of the organization was at stake. Dolan expressed concerns about whether the media would drive Jackson out, to which Jackson candidly 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.”
The book sheds light on the toxic dynamic that marred Jackson’s tenure, particularly his public criticisms of Anthony, who was traded to the Knicks in February 2011. These remarks drew backlash from the players’ union and contributed to a fractured relationship that was deemed irreparable by the end of the 2017 season.
Jackson recounts a critical meeting with Dolan where he insisted that the team needed to offload Anthony, stating, “I said, ‘I don’t want Carmelo back on the team; we’ve got to find a way to trade him.’” He emphasized that Anthony, a future Hall of Famer, deserved to be on a team capable of contending for a championship.
Despite Jackson’s departure, the situation didn’t improve for Anthony, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder just three months later after waiving his no-trade clause. Anthony himself has publicly acknowledged the pressures that led to his exit, stating in a February 2024 web series with Dwyane Wade, “Phil pushed me out of New York. I struggled to leave New York.”
In an additional revelation, Jackson reflects on his coaching decisions, admitting that hiring Derek Fisher as head coach was a mistake, as he “wasn’t ready to coach.” He also notes that his role with the Knicks strained his personal relationship with Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, due to league concerns of potential collusion.
Jackson’s narrative not only highlights his turbulent time with the Knicks but also offers insights into his coaching philosophy and relationships with NBA legends like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan throughout his career.
As the release date of “Masters of the Game” approaches, fans and critics alike are poised to dissect Jackson’s reflections, which could reshape perceptions of his legacy and the Knicks’ turbulent recent history. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.
