Phil Jackson hopeful Carmelo Anthony wants to remain with New York Knicks
By Sam Richmond
The New York Knicks chances of re-signing Carmelo Anthony seem to be fairly slim, as all signs have pointed to Melo ditching the Big Apple to form a super-team elsewhere this summer.
Still, Knicks team president Phil Jackson is taking an optimistic approach to the situation.
From ESPN New York’s Ohm Youngmisuk:
"But we have every confidence that Carmelo is good for what his word is, that he wants to be in New York, he likes playing in New York, he wants to compete, he wants to be part of a playoff team that is competitive toward a championship.”"
As Jackson mentions, Carmelo has made it clear that he desperately wants to win. But unfortunately for Phil, Melo’s top-three free agent suitors, the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, all can easily promise him that opportunity.
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The Bulls can pair him with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. The Mavericks can pair him with Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler. While the Rockets can pair him with James Harden and Dwight Howard.
Although the Knicks’ recent decision to trade Chandler back to Dallas will give them some financial flexibility to improve its roster this summer, it’s going to be nearly impossible for New York to be able to surround Melo with pieces like the other aforementioned three teams can.
However, Phil Jackson is a basketball wizard and perhaps he can use his magic to convince Anthony that he can make New York a situation where an NBA championship is a possibility. If not, expect Melo to be in a different uniform next season