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Atlantic Notes: Knicks, Noah, Sullinger

January 19th, 2017 at 1:29pm CST by Will Joseph

The Knicks are not headed in any particular direction, which is arguably the worst position for franchise to be in, and New York president Phil Jackson is a significant reason for that, Chris Herring of ESPN.com argues in a panel of fellow ESPN scribes (Insider subscription required). Carmelo Anthony is also partly to blame because his large contract, which includes a no-trade clause is hamstringing the team, is holding the franchise hostage, Bradford Doolittle opines. The panel suggested, however, that Anthony still has something left and in the right situation he could be a positive part of the Knicks. There are differing opinions on whether or not the Knicks should be in win-now mode or start tanking, with the latter being difficult to do, considering it would mean shedding players with contracts teams would have to take on creatively.

Here’s more from the Atlantic Division:

Joakim Noah hasn’t lived up to his $72MM contract and it’s possible that the Knicks will take him out of the starting line-up once Kristaps Porzingis is healthy enough to return to action, Marc Berman of the New York Post writes. Noah is averaging 5.6 points per game this season.
Jared Sullinger made his season debut for the Raptors on Wednesday and although the team lost, he felt like he exceed his own expectations, as Doug Smith of the Toronto Star relays. “I was able to keep up with the game,” Sullinger said. “I didn’t think I was going to be able to keep up, especially how hard and how fast the Sixers play, but I was able to keep up with the game.”
Jae Crowder is more valuable to the Celtics than Anthony could ever be, Logan Mullen of WEEI.com contends. Mullen argues that Anthony doesn’t provide the intensity that Crowder brings on a nightly basis. The scribe admits that the Celtics need one more star player, but cautions that Anthony isn’t the right fit.

Chris Crouse contributed to this post

Carmelo Anthony On His Future With The Knicks

January 18th, 2017 at 3:30pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Carmelo Anthony said the conversation between him and Phil Jackson “wasn’t that long,” as Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com relays. “We didn’t break bread. We didn’t have an hour’s conversation. It was a short conversation.”

Anthony previously said he wants to remain with the Knicks and he reiterated that desire today. “I’m committed [to staying]. I don’t have to prove that to anybody,” Anthony exclaimed “I don’t think I have to keep saying that. I don’t think I have to keep talking about that. I know for a fact that people see that.”

The soon-to-be 10-time All-Star never thought it would get to the point where he and Jackson would have to sit down and talk about his future with the team. He added that he’s happy he has a no-trade clause in his contract.

“I think, as players, you always want to protect yourself,” Anthony said. “I didn’t think it would get to this point. I think, as a player, if you can get that [no-trade clause], you have a right to protect yourself and take care of yourself when it comes to that. It’s very hard to get, very difficult to get. I have it and that’s that.”

Anthony said he is “numb” to the drama that follows him this season. “That [George Karl] situation, we all know what that was about. He was trying to sell something. In this situation you almost have to pay a little bit closer attention to it because you have to deal with it on a day-to-day basis,” he added. “Other than [that], I’m fine, man. I’m good mentally. I’m good. Trust me.”

The Knicks have won just two of their last 13 games. They will take on the Celtics tonight.

Atlantic Notes: Okafor, Lowry, Lopez

January 17th, 2017 at 5:20pm CST by Austin Kent

Much has changed over the course of the first two and a half months of the season, writes John Smallwood of the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Sixers are now faced with different circumstances than what they began the year with. Part-way through January, it appears as though Jahlil Okafor — and not Nerlens Noel — is the most likely to be traded.

Okafor, Smallwood writes, is an impressive big man and goes on to cite the 21-year-old’s All-Rookie team performance last year as one of the reasons why. Even in some recent performances, the center has shown that he’s a solid young player, perhaps capable of averaging 20 and 10 eventually. The emergence of Embiid as a reliable option at the five for the Sixers, has rendered Okafor’s services less necessary than they would be otherwise.

In order to take advantage of Okafor’s value, the Sixers should look to trade the big man in order to reconfigure the balance of their roster and Smallwood gives several examples of players that could theoretically come back to Philadelphia in a trade. Smallwood offers Jaylen Brown, Jordan Clarkson and Doug McDermott as three perimeters threats that could potentially be had in exchange for Okafor.

There’s more from the Atlantic Division:

It’s too early to think about free agency, Kyle Lowry tells ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, but for whatever it’s worth, the guard considers Toronto “home”. Currently under contract for $12MM with a player option for $12MM in 2017/18, Lowry could net a significant pay raise over the summer if he opts out. “When the time comes, then I will worry about [free agency],” says Lowry. “[The Raptors] will definitely will be an option.“
The Nets have a decision on Brook Lopez to make prior to the trade deadline, but an injury to Jeremy Lin has made things more complicated, writes Seth Berkman of the New York Times. The franchise would ideally like to see how Lopez and Lin fare together before making a significant change but the tandem has been limited to just a handful of games healthy at the same time.
Desperate for a positive development, the Knicks have considered playing Kristaps Porzingis at the five, writes Ian Begley of ESPN. “Sometimes it’s a chance you have to take, but we continue to look over that,” head coach Jeff Hornacek said. “We just need to mix it up maybe a little more.” Moving Porzingis to the center position would push Joakim Noah to the bench.
We discussed the meeting between Phil Jackson and Carmelo Anthony earlier, but it’s worth adding here that Jackson specifically told the veteran forward he did not subscribe to the criticisms in the now infamous Charley Rosen article, says Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.

Carmelo Anthony Tells Phil Jackson He Wants To Remain A Knick

January 17th, 2017 at 3:02pm CST by Luke Adams

The previously-reported meeting between Carmelo Anthony and Knicks president Phil Jackson took place on Tuesday, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com. Sources close to the situation inform Shelburne that Jackson asked Anthony during the sit-down if he wants to remain with the Knicks. And according to Frank Isola of The New York Daily News (Twitter link), Anthony told Jackson that he does indeed want to stick with the club.

One source who spoke to Shelburne described today’s meeting as “far more contentious” than previous sit-downs between Anthony and Jackson, though Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (Twitter link) hears from a source that the meeting was “calm” and “business-like.”

Shelburne’s story suggests that, while no specific trades were discussed, the two sides left the meeting intending to take some time to think about the situation. However, as Isola reports (via Twitter), Anthony’s response to Jackson’s inquiry today echoed what he has been saying to reporters this week — he prefers to remain a Knick, and wants to win with the franchise.

Anthony is one of just three players who has a formal no-trade clause written into his contract, so any deal that sends him out of New York would require his approval. A substantial salary and a 15% trade kicker would make it hard for the Knicks to find a match, but assuming Jackson and the front office accept Melo’s preference to remain in New York, it doesn’t sound as if the team will need to explore the trade market anyway.

This week’s drama in New York stemmed from a column by Charley Rosen of FanRag. Rosen, a longtime Jackson confidant, was extremely critical of Anthony, writing that the forward’s legs are “going, going, almost gone,” and adding that the nine-time All-Star has “outlived his usefulness” in New York. While Rosen clarified that those were his views alone, and didn’t come from Jackson, the close relationship between the two created some uncertainty for Anthony, necessitating today’s meeting.

Carmelo Anthony To Meet With Phil Jackson

January 17th, 2017 at 8:52am CST by Luke Adams

After hinting on Sunday that a meeting with the Knicks’ brass might be useful, Carmelo Anthony will get that meeting this week, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com. Sources tell Shelburne that Knicks president Phil Jackson intends to meet with Anthony within the next few days to discuss the forward’s feelings toward the organization.

This week’s drama in New York stemmed from a column by Charley Rosen of FanRag. Rosen, a longtime Jackson confidant, was extremely critical of Anthony, writing that the forward’s legs are “going, going, almost gone,” and adding that the nine-time All-Star has “outlived his usefulness” in New York. While Rosen clarified that those were his views alone, and didn’t come from Jackson, the close relationship between the two created some uncertainty for Anthony, necessitating a meeting.

Anthony has indicated that he hasn’t thought at all about waiving his no-trade clause to go to another team, telling reporters on Monday that he wants to remain with the Knicks. So, unless Jackson has other ideas, the two sides will likely make an effort to mend fences during this week’s meeting.

Here are a few more notes out of New York:

Although Jackson will speak to Anthony in the wake of Rosen’s column, head coach Jeff Hornacek said on Monday that he doesn’t feel the need to talk to his forward about it, per Al Iannazzone of Newsday (Twitter link).
Speaking of Hornacek, he made some interesting changes to the Knicks’ starting lineup on Monday, including plugging Ron Baker in at shooting guard in place of Courtney Lee. Lee, who signed a lucrative four-year deal with the Knicks in the offseason, posted pictures from the movie Dumb and Dumber on his Instagram account shortly after being benched, as Fred Kerber of The New York Post details. Lee quickly deleted those posts and explained in a subsequent message that he didn’t intend to criticize the coaches, the rotation, or the lineup change.
While Lee backed off his apparent criticism, Brandon Jennings didn’t hold back after Monday’s game, per Marc Berman of The New York Post. Asked about the lineup change, Jennings said that players “don’t know what’s going to happen” with the rotation when they show up for a given game. “Every day is something new,” Jennings said. “There’s kind of no consistency. It’s tough.”

Carmelo Anthony Discusses No-Trade Clause, Knicks

January 16th, 2017 at 8:57am CST by Luke Adams

As we noted last night, Sunday was another interesting day for the Knicks, as Carmelo Anthony faced questions about his future with the team and his potential willingness to waive his no-trade clause. The latest round of speculation was fueled by a column from Charley Rosen of FanRag. Rosen, a longtime Phil Jackson confidant, was extremely critical of Anthony, writing that the forward’s legs are “going, going, almost gone,” and adding that he has “outlived his usefulness” in New York.

Twice during Sunday night’s conversation with the media, Anthony was reminded that the critique came from Rosen, not Jackson. Rosen said in an email to Marc Berman of The New York Post that the opinions in the piece were entirely his, and that he hadn’t spoke at all to Jackson about them. However, as Frank Isola of The New York Daily News writes, the nine-time All-Star “had no trouble connecting the dots.”

Here are a few of Anthony’s notable postgame comments, via Isola and Berman:

On the idea that he has “outlived his usefulness” in New York:

“If that’s the case, if that’s where it’s coming from that side, I guess it’s a conversation we should have. If they feel my time in New York is over, I guess that’s a conversation we should have.

“Listen, if that’s how they feel, if that’s coming from that side, then that’s what’s coming from that side. I haven’t thought once about that. I hear it, hear all the rhetoric going on out there. I still come to work every day, play and bust my ass, and try not worry about it.”

On the fact that some media and fans have speculated about him waiving his no-trade clause:

“They want me out? People can have their own opinion, but I haven’t spoken about it. I haven’t mentioned it, not once. That’s been the trend when you start losing. … I think I posted that (on Instagram) the other day. When we lose, it’s me. When we win, it’s us. That’s how I feel. It is what it is.”

On whether he would waive his no-trade clause:

“I’ve never even thought about that. Like you said, I guess there’s people talking about it. I don’t know … it’s not something that I’ve thought about so far.”

On the Knicks’ poor performance so far this season:

“It’s a disappointment, but what can we do other than try to change it at this point? I don’t feel like the season is slipping away, but it doesn’t feel like an average slump either, because we’re much better than what we’re putting out on the court.”

Community Shootaround: Melo Drama

January 15th, 2017 at 10:05pm CST by Austin Kent

The power struggle in New York grows more hostile by the day but eventually one of either Phil Jackson or Carmelo Anthony will get their way. On Sunday, Anthony reiterated that he has no intention of waiving his no-trade clause and suggests that, if Jackson and the Knicks feel his time with the organization should be over, they should have a discussion about it.

Anthony is under contract through the 2018/19 season and can’t be moved without his permission.

The latest uptick in drama surrounding the pair revolves around a story recently published by Charley Rosen of FanRag. Rosen, a close associate of Jackson’s, wrote a scathing column of the team’s superstar.

What we want to know is what readers think of the developing, hostile situation. Should Anthony feel obligated to waive his no-trade clause if a deal would help the franchise? Is Jackson wildly out of line speaking through his supposed confidant or the media making too much of their affiliation to each other?

Weigh in below!

Atlantic Notes: Anthony, Simmons, Thomas

January 15th, 2017 at 6:20pm CST by Austin Kent

The Knicks suffered a disappointing loss in Toronto on Sunday, at one point down 38 points. It was a fitting end to a chaotic week. To the chagrin of those looking for a drastic roster moves in the Big Apple, New York Daily News writer Frank Isola confirmed that Carmelo Anthony has not considered waiving his no-trade clause.

Anthony spoke to the media following the game. Per Isola: “If [the Knicks] feel like my time in New York is over, I guess that’s a conversation we should have.”

Earlier this weekend, Isola wrote about a reported tirade that Anthony is said to have gone on following a Wednesday night loss to the Sixers. At the time Isola reported that it wasn’t expected that Anthony would waive the clause either.

With three years left on his contract, Anthony could technically remain with the Knicks until he’s 35 years old. Whether recent events could change things, remains to be seen. If one thing is known, it’s that Anthony won’t be hastily moved without his permission.

There’s plenty more out of the Atlantic Division today:

Injured rookie Ben Simmons has been traveling with the Sixers, writes Brian Seltzer of the Sixers’ official website, and Brett Brown is a firm believer in the impact that can have on a young player. “It’s feeling the gyms, it’s feeling the preparation, it’s being a part of a scout tape as you go through game preparation, it’s being on a bench, and seeing referees, and seeing players, and watching how the different flow of the game is real.”
After suffering a foot injury in October, Jared Sullinger has recently returned to practice for the Raptors. The forward is well aware of the long road ahead of him before he’s in game shape. “It feels great, but horrible at the same time,” Sullinger tells Ryan Wolstat of the National Post of his first week of on-court action, “I have no lungs.”
The Sixers are starting to win basketball games and play with confidence, writes Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “This is the first time that we’ve had, no disrespect to other teams, but we have an actual team,” said big man Nerlens Noel, the most tenured player on the roster.
After leaving New York’s Sunday matchup, Knicks forward Lance Thomas is said to have suffered a “fracture to a bone in his cheek,” says ESPN’s Ian Begley over Twitter.

Knicks Notes: Anthony, Jackson, Rose, Porzingis

January 14th, 2017 at 6:12pm CST by Arthur Hill

Carmelo Anthony‘s relationship with team president Phil Jackson is getting progressively worse, writes Frank Isola of The New York Daily News. Anthony remains bitter that Jackson refused to interview Tom Thibodeau for the Knicks’ coaching vacancy in May, and was further angered when Jackson stated publicly last month that Anthony was slowing down the triangle offense by holding the ball too long. Anthony reportedly went on a locker-room tirade after Wednesday’s loss to the Sixers, yelling at teammates for losing a 10-point lead in the final 2:30 and for not getting him the ball on the final possession. However, a source tells Isola that Anthony remains unlikely to waive his no-trade clause.

There’s more out of New York:

A 15% trade kicker makes Anthony very difficult to trade if he does give his consent, notes Marc Berman of The New York Post. Even though the Knicks would pay the kicker, it would push his salary cap figure to about $30MM, which would be tough for another team to match in a deal.
Derrick Rose‘s agent, B.J. Armstrong, admits that Rose could have calmed the situation surrounding his absence from Monday’s game by contacting team officials, tweets Ian Begley of ESPN.com. ” I think in looking back, just a simple phone call or a simple text notifying the team to let them know what happened, what he needed to do and take care of with his family situation would clearly have been a thing he needed to do,” Armstrong said today in an interview with Sirius XM Radio. “He felt that he needed to go home and take care of a family matter … but I think the big thing that is coming from this story is that a simple text, a simple notifying someone from the Knicks to let them know what he needed to do.”
Kristaps Porzingis is hoping to return for Monday’s game after being sidelined by a sore left Achilles, but he doesn’t want to repeat his mistake of playing before the injury is fully healed, relays Fred Kerber of The New York Post. Porzingis started having problems with the Achilles in late December. He sat out three games, returned for four, then missed Thursday’s game with the Bulls and doesn’t expect to play Sunday. “I need to get it 100 percent before I step back on the court again,” Porzingis said. “I need to take my time, calm down a little bit. I’m just too anxious to be out there. I was like, ‘You got to let me go, you got to let me go.’ But we have a tough schedule ahead of us. I want to be back as soon as possible. But at the same time, I want to make sure I’m healthy and that I can be 100 percent for the team.”

And-Ones: Jackson, Griffin, Bogut

December 28th, 2016 at 10:45pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Phil Jackson announced via Twitter that he and Lakers team president Jeanie Buss have decided to end their engagement, explaining how the distance between the two has made sustaining a relationship a difficult feat. Jackson is under contract with the Knicks for two more seasons after this one, but his contract contains a mutual option that would allow either side to opt out this upcoming summer. Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post speculates that the decision to part ways with Buss could mean that Jackson is planning on staying on as New York’s team president. The Zen Master will make $12MM if he returns to the Knicks next season.

Here’s more from around the league:

When Jackson took the Knicks‘ job, the league made Jackson and Buss sign documents to ensure there would be no conflicts of interest between the two clubs, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com reports. Sources tell Shelburne that the documents included a provision that the duo inform the NBA and its owner should they ever decided to marry.
Jackson had long been rumored to be a candidate for a role in the Lakers’ front office should Buss decide to make changes, though with the news of their break-up, it appears that door has closed, Bill Oram of the Los Angeles Daily News writes. Oram speculates that Jerry West return to the organization in some capacity should the team make organizational changes.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer details how the Clippers are finding success without Blake Griffin in the lineup and the scribe wonders if the team should trade the oft-injured power forward. O’Connor notes that Griffin’s contract, which expires after this season, could dissuade rival teams from giving up valuable assets for the him, as he could simply walk in free agency.
Despite owner Mark Cuban‘s declaration that the team isn’t interested in tanking, the Mavericks would be wise to trade Andrew Bogut with the future in mind, O’Connor argues in the same piece. O’Connor lists several teams, including the Blazers and the Celtics, that could use the big man’s defense.