URGENT UPDATE: Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has disclosed shocking revelations about his tumultuous relationship with Carmelo Anthony, claiming it directly contributed to his exit from the New York Knicks in June 2017. In his upcoming book, “Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players“, set to release on Tuesday, Jackson details how the discord with Anthony rendered his position untenable.
Jackson recounts a pivotal conversation with Knicks owner James Dolan, where he expressed that the “busted” relationship with Anthony meant one of them had to go. “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,'” Jackson writes. This admission starkly highlights the personal and professional stakes at play during his tenure.
The friction between Jackson and Anthony escalated during the coach’s time as president from 2014 to 2017. Jackson frequently criticized the star forward publicly, which culminated in a deteriorating relationship viewed as irreparable by the end of the 2017 season. Jackson’s exit came after the Knicks opted not to buy out Anthony’s contract, a decision that led to Anthony’s eventual trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder just three months later.
In a candid reflection, Jackson admits to Dolan that trading Anthony was essential, saying, “I don’t want Carmelo back on the team; we’ve got to find a way to trade him.” He emphasized that both men wanted a championship, but the realities of their situation meant compromise was necessary.
“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,”
Anthony stated in a recent conversation with Dwyane Wade, adding an emotional layer to this saga. His assertion underscores the deep-rooted tensions that characterized his departure from the Knicks.
Jackson’s book also critiques other aspects of his Knicks tenure, including the hiring of coach Derek Fisher, whom he deemed unprepared for the role. Furthermore, Jackson shares how the position strained his relationship with Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, due to concerns over potential collusion in the league.
As fans digest these revelations, the implications for both Jackson and Anthony continue to resonate across the NBA landscape. Jackson, a revered figure in basketball history, has not shied away from candid discussions about his time with the Knicks, making it clear that his relationship with Anthony was a significant factor in his decision to leave.
With the release of “Masters of the Game“, expectations are high for further insights into the dynamics of the NBA’s most prominent figures. The book promises to explore Jackson’s experiences coaching legends like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan, adding depth to his narrative.
As this story unfolds, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how Jackson’s revelations will impact perceptions of both his legacy and that of Anthony. Stay tuned for more updates as the book’s release approaches and reactions pour in from across the basketball community.
