The comments from New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony regarding his meeting with Phil Jackson indicate he’s moving past the drama.
After losing nine of their last 10 games and 11 of their last 13, the New York Knicks (18-24) have slid all the way down in the standings to the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference. Carmelo Anthony is more concerned about that than the drama with Phil Jackson.
According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, Anthony’s long-overdue conversation with Jackson on the star’s future in New York was “short.”
Anthony once again noted his intent not to waive his no-trade clause. Then he said that he’s back off his desire to have input in personnel decisions. Understandably he just wants to focus on basketball right now.
“I don’t think that’s where any of this is at this point. My say is what I can do, what I want to do and dealing with guys who are on my team. That’s completely what I care about at this particular time. Everything else is irrelevant to me.”
Melo obviously wants to put the drama of the Charley Rosen article behind him. When asked if he received any answers from Phil about it, he responded that he wasn’t looking for any.
“At this point, I don’t need to hear that (Rosen’s article wasn’t coming from Jackson). I don’t need to hear whether it was him or not.”
It’s insane that anyone could question Melo’s commitment to the Knicks anymore, but he’s still hearing criticism. It makes sense for him to be upset.
“I’m committed. I don’t think I have to prove that to anybody. I don’t think I have to keep saying that. I don’t think people have to keep talking about it. I think people know that, people see that. And right now, my focus is playing basketball and staying with these guys. Because a lot of these guys never dealt with this kind of stuff before. Especially being in a market like New York.”
Anthony defended his right to a no-trade clause but seemed regretful that his no-trade clause was a subject of so much discussion.
“As players you always want to protect yourself,” Anthony said. “I didn’t think it would get to this point but as players if you can get that, you have a right to protect yourself and take care of yourself when it comes to that. It’s very hard to get, it’s very difficult to get, so I have it and that’s that.”
Next up: The Knicks visit the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
