New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony Isn't a Fan of Phil Jackson's 'Posse' Comment 3
Mar 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) controls the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers small forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony hopes Phil Jackson didn’t mean to offend anyone when he said “posse” referring to LeBron James‘ people.

In a recent interview with ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan, New York Knicks boss Phil Jackson referred to LeBron James’ people as a “posse.” LBJ wasn’t a fan of the remark. Nor was his “posse.”

And while Phil Jackson‘s intentions were to knock certain special privileges LeBron’s crew receives, it’s caused a stir within his own organization. It’s alienated his own star player, Carmelo Anthony, who responded by supporting the supposition, though he also admitted not knowing how the conversation played out exactly and overly sensitive about James coming up in conversation.

Via Daniel Popper of the New York Daily News:

“Sometimes Phil says things, the first thing that comes to mind,” Anthony said, “When it comes to Phil, you never know what’s going to be said.”

Carmelo, who fashions himself as a spokesman for social change, should know that before you agree or disagree, or comment for that matter, you should confirm the particulars before jumping through the hoops for your friend at the cost of team loyalty to a man you have to play and is a direct obstacle to your goal of an NBA Championship. But Carmelo agreed with James saying he would have taken it the same way.

“I would never want to hear that word about me and-I don’t want to say my crew- but people I consider family and people I came up with.”

Carmelo must back the Knicks, first and foremost. He also has a president who has bent over backward for him to give him the supporting tools he needs to win a title before the clock runs out.

His friendship with Lebron is a conflict of interest. He was quick to throw Jackson under the bus.

Magic Johnson, when asked about his friendship with Isiah Thomas before the 1988 NBA Finals, knew when and where to draw the line. This is just one of many examples throughout the course of NBA friendship history.

This only adds to the confusion surrounding Jackson and the Knicks while for Lebron, though agitated, will only establish himself as a man who will stand up against perceived wrongs while Carmelo is shown to be Lebron’s lackey and not ready to lead his professional posse anywhere.

 
I am a veteran sports writer who has contributed to New York City Sporting News, Double G Sports, and Latino Sports. As the Voice of the Voiceless, I serve as the instrument that educates and informs.