New York Knicks: Phil Jackson Throws Carmelo Anthony Under the Bus
Mar 27, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson laughs during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson continues to make headlines for all the wrong reasons while the Holiday brothers hang out.

The fallout from Phil Jackson’s press conference isn’t going away anytime soon. The president of the New York Knicks notably upset Kristaps Porzingis with his actions, but he didn’t stop there.

Add Michelle Roberts to the list of people who thought Jackson’s words crossed the line. Roberts, the National Basketball Players Association executive director, criticized the president of the New York Knicks over his comments about star Carmelo Anthony.

Via Ian Begley of ESPN:

“We voiced with the Commissioner today our view on the inappropriate comments by Knicks President Phil Jackson,” Roberts said in a statement. “If players under contract cannot, under threat of league discipline, speak openly about their desire to be employed elsewhere, we expect management to adhere to the same standards. The door swings both ways when it comes to demonstrating loyalty and respect.”

Per Begley, Roberts is making reference to a rule “that mandates players be fined for publicly requesting trades.” It’s a double standard if an executive can casually talk about trading a player at a press conference.


Justin Holiday and his brother Jrue Holiday are both free agents this summer. Jrue is one of the top point guards in the league when healthy, so the subject of him reuniting with his brother in New York has gained traction.

Marc Berman of The New York Post reports that the brothers were together in New Orleans this weekend for a family wedding.

Justin mentioned that playing together would be a “dream come true.”

“Now it’s time to talk, time to figure it out,’’ Justin Holiday told The Post. “We’ll take some time off. We’ll sit and talk eventually. I’m excited to see him. The family thing first and we’ll figure it out after.

The 28-year-old didn’t say any team but stated that he wouldn’t be at any loss for suitors in the offseason.

Both the Knicks and Jrue’s current squad, the New Orleans Pelicans, will look to pursue the brothers. After playing for five teams in four NBA seasons, Justin will be looking for a long-term contract this summer.

Jrue will be looking for a max deal.

“It’s the next thing to figure out,’’ Holiday said. “It’s going to be exciting — hopefully not too stressful. I’ve never been in this position before. Shoot, having multiple teams might wanting me is a first. I’ll consider all the options, hopefully take my time and make the right decision.’’


ESNY’s Robby Sabo talked about the spectacular failures of the Carmelo Anthony and Phil Jackson era. How did it all go wrong?

ESNY’s Michael Dolan chose his six greatest Knicks NBA Draft busts of the last 30 years. It wasn’t easy.

ESNY’s Robbie Stratakos talked about the impact of Kristaps Porzingis’ frustrations on the perception of the Knicks as an organization.