BREAKING: Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson has just revealed that his tumultuous relationship with star player Carmelo Anthony was a primary factor in his departure 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 for release on Tuesday, Jackson candidly discusses the pressures that drove him out of the franchise.
Jackson, who served as Knicks president from 2014 to 2017, shares a pivotal conversation with Knicks owner James Dolan regarding the media’s role in his exit. He recounts Dolan’s concerns about public scrutiny, stating, “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 highlights the deep rift that characterized Jackson’s tenure with the team.
The book also reveals details about Jackson’s insistence 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.'” Jackson emphasized that both he and Anthony deserved better, noting, “Carmelo wants a championship; he wants to be on a team that has a chance, and he should be; he’s a Hall of Famer.”
This explosive revelation comes after years of speculation about the tensions within the Knicks organization. Jackson’s critical comments about Anthony, both publicly and on social media, drew backlash from the players’ union and strained their professional relationship to the breaking point. Ultimately, Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder just three months after Jackson’s exit, after he waived his no-trade clause.
In a recent web series with Dwyane Wade, Anthony reflected on his departure, stating, “When I left New York, I didn’t leave New York. Phil pushed me out of New York. I struggled to leave New York.” This poignant statement underscores the emotional impact of the fallout between the two basketball icons.
Jackson also critiques other aspects of his Knicks era in the book, including the hiring of Derek Fisher as head coach, which he calls a mistake due to Fisher’s lack of readiness. He reveals that his role with the Knicks also cost him his romantic relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, due to pressures of potential collusion between an owner and a team president.
The revelations in “Masters of the Game” shine a light on the complexities of team dynamics and the personal sacrifices made by those in leadership roles. As the book approaches its release, fans and analysts alike are eager to delve into Jackson’s insights on not only Anthony but also other legendary players such as Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Michael Jordan.
As anticipation builds, basketball enthusiasts are left wondering: What more will Jackson reveal about his controversial tenure with the Knicks and the players who shaped his storied career? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
