Knicks' Phil Jackson Says Carmelo Anthony Will Pass More

Phil Jackson believes his triangle offense will put Carmelo Anthony in better position to succeed.

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Phil Jackson will be evaluating players more than coaching in his new role as president of basketball operations, and he was very transparent with his evaluations of his current roster. Speaking with ESPN New York, Jackson talked about every player on the Knicks roster–from Carmelo Anthony to some guy named Travis Wear.

What he had to say about Anthony, and his role in the triangle offense, was particularly interesting.

"“Carmelo Anthony is obviously the team’s only certified All-Star. It’s also no secret that Melo has to keep the ball moving, but he’s committed to doing this. Passing has never been a great strength of his, but in the triangle he’ll be able to have check-off reads like a quarterback looking for his first-option receiver, then his second and then his third. There’ll be plenty of iso opportunities for Melo, and in the triangle it’ll be very difficult for defenses to double-team him. It won’t be like last season where he had to take clutch shots with a gang of defenders in his face. Also look for Melo to get a bunch of post-up looks.”"

First of all, Anthony is clearly the team’s only All-Star. Don’t be surprised if J.R. Smith demands a trade upon reading these comments… yeah he probably won’t read it. Jackson is blunt about the fact that Anthony has never been a strong passer, but he’s also never really been asked to the way Jackson/Derek Fisher will want him to.

Comparing his role to a quarterback is interesting, and quite accurate. But in order to make those reads, he may have to first decide whether the shot or the pass is his best option. How often will he decide passing the ball is a better option for his team than shooting it himself? Well, I guess we’ll find out.

Oh, as for the “It won’t be like last season where he had to take clutch shots with a gang of defenders in his face” line, I guess finding Jason Smith in the post on his second read is possible in the closing seconds. Generally, the triangle should help limit the defense double teaming one player, but everyone knows where that ball is going in the clutch.

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