Are The New York Knicks Dealing with Internal Player Issues?
Yesterday, NBA legend Dennis Rodman called out the New York Knicks for their inability to properly run the triangle offense, that he saw success with in Chicago with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippin. When he was away from good friend Kim Jong-un playing horse, Rodman centered more blame on Carmelo Anthony above anybody. While we’re not necessarily agreeing with everything the greatest rebounder of all time had to say, he did make valid points throughout his brief rant. Reports have now surfaced that Melo and newcomer Tim Hardaway Jr. were been dealing with a private (not public) feud over the last few months.
Look at Em. . . . .
Following a loss last week against the Brooklyn Nets, Hardaway screamed to Anthony “Get the Rebound!” which promoted Melo to yell an expletive in response after the game. This wasn’t their first encounter either, as various outlets are reporting players on the team have confrontations after games – but no punches are ever thrown. Hardaway and Anthony view each other as an offensive-minded scorers, while playing no defense. While many may cite this season as a lame-duck year, Phil Jackson is already looking ahead to the summer citing the team has a loser’s mentality right now. In their first 22 games, the team only has a grand total of four wins and could have their worst start in franchise history with an imminent loss tonight against the San Antonio Spurs.
This is Melo’s fault?
Luckily for New York, they will finally have a top first round draft pick, Amar’e Stoudemire’s contract finally removed their team and lots of cap flexibility this summer. Iman Shumpert has been the player Phil Jackson wants to keep around Melo for the imminent improved triangle next season, but J.R. Smith, Tim Hardaway Jr. and others could be dealt for picks before the trade deadline. As the ZenMaster continues to jot notes in his black notepad for the summer, Derek Fisher will have to swallow the pill of a horrendous first season.
Dennis Rodman Rips New York Knicks & Carmelo Anthony