Melo in biggest hint yet that he will likely stay in New York after Jackson appointment.
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has revealed that he would be willing to change his style of play to suit Phil Jackson’s ideas if it helps them win.
Anthony is set to test free agency this summer, although he has previously hinted that his priority is to remain with the Knicks if he can see a project in place to win a championship.
He recently revealed that he thought the appointment of former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers coach Jackson was a “power move”, and he continues to suggest that he sees his future in New York.
“I’m willing to do whatever,” Anthony said after practice Monday. “As long as it’s gonna put me in a position to win, I’m willing to do whatever. I’m not sold or stuck on my play.
“What I’ve been able to do these past 10-11 years has gotten me at where I am right now,” he continued. “If Phil wants to come in and change that this late in my career, if it’s going to help me win a championship, I’m with it.”
The Knicks are set to hold a press conference on Tuesday to officially unveil Jackson to the media, and he will arrive to take up the position of president of basketball operations.
However, his arrival has not silenced all the critics with a Knicks fan group set to go on with their planned protest at Wednesday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers, with owner James Dolan facing the brunt of their frustration.
Anthony’s future will arguably be the first big decision Jackson has to make, as the Knicks will be able to offer the 29-year-old a five-year deal worth $129m, while other interested parties will be restricted to a four-year deal worth $96m.
The Knicks star has previously insisted that at this stage of his career he is no longer motivated by money, and so it remains to be seen if he is sold on the ideas that Jackson has for the organisation moving forward, which will ultimately help make his decision on whether or not he remains in New York.
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