Phil Jackson: New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony has ‘had to carry a big load’

It has been a rough year for Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks.

Although they have crawled their way back into the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Knicks are just 33-43.

Now that Phil Jackson is in the fold, the Knicks have hope and Jackson has spoken to Anthony a few times.

“We’ve had a couple occasions to talk,” Jackson said at the team’s practice facility via Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York. “We haven’t really delved into the future as much as what’s gone on, getting to know each other type of thing. Trying to see how he’s feeling about playing.

“He’s had to carry a big load. It’s been a tough year for him. But it’s been a tough year for everyone. It’s not just isolated with him. But I think he feels the weight of it a lot more on himself.”

Despite the Knicks’ troubles, the likely soon-to-be free agent is averaging 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game.