UPDATE: Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has revealed shocking details about his tumultuous tenure as president of the New York Knicks, claiming his strained relationship with star player Carmelo Anthony ultimately forced him out of the organization in June 2017. In his upcoming book, “Masters of the Game: A Conversational History of the NBA in 75 Legendary Players,” Jackson shares insights that could reshape perceptions of his time in New York.
Jackson reflects on a pivotal conversation with Knicks owner James Dolan, where he confessed that if Anthony remained on the team, then he would have to leave. “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, revealing the pressure he felt from both the media and the front office. This candid admission underscores the intense atmosphere surrounding the franchise during his presidency.
The book, set for release on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, contains explosive revelations about Jackson’s deepening conflict with Anthony, who was traded to the Knicks in February 2011. Jackson’s tenure was marked by public criticisms of Anthony, which drew backlash from players’ union representatives and ultimately strained their working relationship to the breaking point.
In the book, Jackson narrates a meeting with Dolan where he insisted on trading Anthony, stating, “I said, ‘I don’t want Carmelo back on the team; we’ve got to find a way to trade him.'” This admission highlights Jackson’s belief that the Knicks could not compete for a championship with Anthony on the roster, a sentiment that many fans and analysts have debated over the years.
The fallout from Jackson’s departure did not improve the situation for Anthony, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder just three months later after waiving his no-trade clause. In a recent web series with Dwyane Wade, Anthony candidly stated, “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 comment underscores the lingering animosity between the two figures, even years later.
Jackson also reflects on other key moments from his Knicks presidency, including the controversial hiring of coach Derek Fisher, whom he deemed unprepared for the role. Additionally, he reveals how his position affected his personal life, stating, “She [Jeanie Buss] got pressure from the league because they worried about the idea of collusion.” This insight into his personal sacrifices adds another layer to the narrative of his Knicks era.
As “Masters of the Game” promises to shed new light on Jackson’s storied career and relationships with NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, the revelations about his Knicks tenure are set to reignite discussions about player-coach dynamics in professional sports.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and fans react to Jackson’s revelations that could change their understanding of one of the NBA’s most controversial eras.
