Carmelo Anthony met with New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills on Thursday for their exit meeting. Let’s just say that the 31-year-old superstar, according to ESPN reports, laid down the gauntlet.
During the meeting Anthony says that he voiced his opinion, leaving no stones unturned, especially in regards to the direction that he feels the team should go in regards to the philosophy of whomever they hire as the head coach. Wanting anybody that can come in and make the team better, whether they run the triangle or not. It seems as if his words fell on deaf ears, because less than an hour later, Jackson came out and said that he’s married to the triangle and only wants a coach that he knows personally.
This marriage between Anthony and Jackson is rocky, to say the least. While never coming out and saying that he wants to leave the Big Apple, the nine time All Star voiced a hint of frustration during his media availability.
“For my first 10 years in the league I played in the postseason. So to not experience that over the past three seasons, it makes you question a lot. It definitely put a lot of things into perspective. My only thing, my only motive, is to win. I want to win.”
The organization, which improved from 17 wins last year to 32 wins this season, face a very pivotal, and hopefully busy offseason. With at least $18 million available this summer to spend on free agents, but will Phil and Co. chase after big names such as Kevin Durant and Rajon Rondo? According to Jackson, he’s looking for guys who will specifically fit to what he wants to do, not just any player. If things aren’t to his liking, could anyone blame Carmelo if he revokes his no trade clause and decides to get out of town?