BREAKING: Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson reveals shocking details about his tumultuous relationship with Carmelo Anthony, stating it ultimately forced his exit from the New York Knicks. In his upcoming book, “Masters of the Game,” set for release on October 3, 2023, Jackson recounts that the strained dynamic between the two stars led to his departure in June 2017.
Jackson describes a pivotal conversation with Knicks owner James Dolan where Dolan questioned whether media scrutiny would drive him away. Jackson candidly replied, “Unfortunately my relationship with Carmelo is kind of busted, and if he’s going to be here, it’s probably best that I go.” This admission highlights the severity of their conflict and its impact on the franchise.
The book, which features extensive commentary on Jackson’s time as Knicks president from 2014 to 2017, sheds light on his frustrations with Anthony, who was traded to New York in February 2011. Jackson’s critical remarks about the star forward drew ire from the players’ union and contributed to a deteriorating relationship that many viewed as irreparable by the end of the 2017 season.
In one excerpt, Jackson reveals, “I said, ‘I don’t want Carmelo back on the team; we’ve got to find a way to trade him.’” He emphasizes that both he and Anthony were trapped in a situation where neither could succeed, stating, “Carmelo wants a championship; he wants to be on a team that has a chance, and he should be; he’s a Hall of Famer.”
Despite Jackson’s departure, the Knicks’ relationship with Anthony did not improve. Just three months later, Anthony was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder after waiving his no-trade clause. In a recent discussion with Dwyane Wade, Anthony claimed, “Phil pushed me out of New York. I struggled to leave New York,” further illustrating the emotional fallout from their partnership.
Additionally, Jackson reflects on other challenges during his Knicks tenure, calling the hiring of coach Derek Fisher a mistake. He lamented that Fisher “wasn’t ready to coach,” and he also revealed that his role cost him a romantic relationship with Lakers owner Jeanie Buss due to pressures from the league regarding potential collusion.
As fans eagerly await the release of “Masters of the Game,” the revelations from Jackson are sure to reignite discussions about the Knicks’ troubled past and the implications for both Jackson and Anthony’s legacies in the NBA.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops and reactions pour in from basketball analysts and fans alike.
