Phil Jackson understands the value of Carmelo Anthony both on the court and off the court. The New York Knicks are entering a crucial offseason after disappointing 2013-14 season. The team is cash strapped with no first-round draft picks to speak of in the near future. While Anthony remains their first priority once free agency begins, they Jackson is hoping the team can land a few other big stars as well. However, he is aware that without Anthony, that will not be possible.
Jackson has some experience with star players. Coaching on teams with Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, players were flocking to his respective teams hoping to play with the league's best. The Knicks' president of operations believes Anthony is that type of player that can utilize his star power and recruit others to join him at a more discounted price the Knicks can afford.
"So I've been in situations like that," Jackson said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "But one of the reasons I never went to college [is] because I never wanted to get into that world of promises and dreams. I want to be in reality most of the time, and I think that really helps. The reality of knowing a player is going to come in and he sees what's done and sees how players get to play, sees the kind of effort that players put out on the floor is something that goes around this league pretty quickly and guys want to be a part of it."
While trades of Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire are very likely in order to free up much needed salary cap space, the Knicks will look to free agency to rebuild considering their lack of draft picks. The first is re-signing Anthony. Jackson has stated he would ideally like Anthony to take a pay cut. If he shows serious signs of bringing in other star talent, it is likely the forward could take something less than the max contract. So who could Anthony recruit to help New York?
If Anthony signs a max contract, the Knicks have $20 million in cap space to work with. That is without any trades. It is likely New York will get creative in order to free up more space. Right now, the Knicks have their sights set on Kyle Lowry to help improve the point guard position. They have been looking at the Raptors star for some time now and will certainly make a push for him come free agency. Pau Gasol is also open to joining the Knicks. That could come after Chandler gets dealt. Kirk Hinrich is another option for New York come the offseason.
"I think people would love to come to play in New York, and when that time comes, we'll be working on that," he said. "... I have a big black book. I have a big Rolodex. People that talk about what's going on with me in the offseason, this and that, I should be getting people to come here. I am. I'm trying," Anthony said.
