With Phil Jackson potentially taking a front office position with the New York Knicks, a lot of talk has started to circulate about the immediate future of superstar Carmelo Anthony.
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There’s been rumors floating around that Anthony may opt-out of his deal with the Knicks and possibly sign with the Los Angeles Lakers or Chicago Bulls. Although it’s all speculation at this point, Anthony heading elsewhere this summer is still a possibility.
As a result of the media frenzy surrounding Jackson, former Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl was asked by Colin Cowherd about Anthony and how Jackson might deal with him. Karl coached Anthony for eight years in Denver and immediately mentioned the difference between Anthony and Kobe Bryant according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com:
“Yeah, but Kobe has an ability to lift a team on his shoulders on a yearly basis, [on] the playoff basis,” Karl said. “Melo has done it over three months or four months. He will be the best player in basketball for six weeks. Kobe has been the best player in basketball for all year and been the best player in basketball in a playoff series, in a championship, winning a championship ring.”
Karl went on to talk about Kobe being able to handle maintaining his style of play via Youngmisuk:
“There’s a little difference there,” Karl continued. “There is a different stage of regular season and playoffs. [But] Kobe at times has selfish basketball play and has a tough ego and attitude to handle.”
Fortunately for Anthony, Jackson potentially coming in to right the ship in New York might be exactly what is needed to lift Anthony to the next level. Although Jackson might be the next piece of the puzzle, Karl wasn’t sure Anthony was the kind of player that could excel under Jackson.
With Jackson yet to sign on with the Knicks, there’s still uncertainty the Hall of Famer will be headed to New York. If Jackson does end up with the Knicks, Anthony will have to adjust or at least being willing to take constructive criticism.
Anthony’s future remains up in the air moving forward, but Jackson taking over basketball operations will likely alter the future for the superstar forward. Anthony may end up opting out if he’s unable to see eye-to-eye with Jackson.
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