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First of all, let us begin this dump of tweet embeds by once again agreeing that it's really nice to have an executive who speaks to the media periodically and actually seems to give forthright, meaningful answers to the questions asked of him. Thanks, Phil Jackson, and thanks, James Dolan, for allowing this basic level of transparency for your new president. Jackson opened today's media availability by telling reporters there was "no news," but he actually said some things. Let's walk through 'em.
Jackson said the most Actual Things regarding Carmelo Anthony's future
We hadn't heard outright before that Jackson was pushing Melo to consider opting in for one more year, but here you go:
Phil says he asked Carmelo to consider opting in for the final year of his deal. Melo told him he'd think about it.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
Phil says he advised Carmelo not to opt out until July 2015 because the club can be in the hunt for two "headline players."
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) May 30, 2014
"There's more possibilities than just free agency" @PhilJackson11 on @carmeloanthony #Knicks
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) May 30, 2014
That's pretty straightforward. Who knows if Melo's reply was a "Hmm! I'll think about that." or a "Yeah...I'll think about it... [while texting other GMs under the table]." Either way, Jackson feels good no matter what happens with melo, and that makes me feel good, too:
Phil says he's "not losing sleep over it" but is "definitely concerned" about losing Carmelo in free agency. If so, "we will survive it."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 30, 2014
Phil Jackson says he and Carmelo Anthony are "communicating." "I like it, I like the direction." #Knicks
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 30, 2014
"Yes I do" @PhilJackson11 on if he believes he has a good relationship with @carmeloanthony at this point. #Knicks
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) May 30, 2014
It sounds like the Knicks were pretty damn close to hiring Steve Kerr
Phil says Kerr verbally committed to the Knicks' job the day before Kerr took the coaching job with Golden State.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
One correction to a tweet from b4: Phil Jackson said Kerr verbally agreed to the Knicks' HC job one day before GSW fired Mark Jackson.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
Phil also said that Steve Kerr committed to him the day before the Golden State job opened up - and he released him from that obligation.
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) May 30, 2014
Phil says Golden State was the "better" fit for Steve Kerr.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) May 30, 2014
Phil acknowledges that he told Carmelo that Kerr was coming in to coach the team.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
On Derek Fisher and Brian Shaw, the most rumored candidates post-Kerr
Phil Jackson: Have not spoken with Derek Fisher or Brian Shaw. Has options out there as choices "B, C, D and E."
— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) May 30, 2014
Phil says he's reluctant to make deal with Denver since they own everything the Knicks have given them in recent years. (Jokes!)
— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) May 30, 2014
(That's in reference to Brian Shaw, who may be out of the question because the Knicks would have to trade for his services.)
Phil Jackson said he has interviewed some 'unnamed' people. But he hasn't spoken to Derek Fisher or Brian Shaw.
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) May 30, 2014
On Derek Fisher, Phil says he's "definitely" on his list of potential candidates. He's unsure if Fisher wants to coach at this point.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 30, 2014
I assume this next one is about Fisher, too:
.@PhilJackson11 said over the last 2 yrs they've talked about "the next step" but he has returned to play.
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) May 30, 2014
We should have a new coach by the end of next month, and it'll probably be someone you expected
Phil doesn't expect his search to extend into July.
— Al Iannazzone (@Al_Iannazzone) May 30, 2014
Phil says ppl w/ no coaching experience at all have appeal to him, because they have no track record for reporters and analysts to nitpick.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
Phil says he's also interested in college coaches.
— Scott Cacciola (@ScottCacciola) May 30, 2014
Phil says he'd like to have a prior relationship with the #Knicks next coach.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 30, 2014
Phil, on whether he'll go outside his circle 4 coaching candidates: "I have a big circle."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
.@PhilJackson11 says he has assistant coaches in mind for the #Knicks
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) May 30, 2014
On the notion of Jackson himself coaching, an idea that simply won't die no matter how much he shoots it down
Phil, on whether he's interested in coaching: "I'm always interested in coaching. It's whether I can do it [physically]."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
Phil Jackson says "at this point, unless the lord heals me" he wouldn't be physically able to coach. #Knicks
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 30, 2014
Phil says the idea that he could coach for a year as a "transition period" has been suggested but he's not comfortable with that idea.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) May 30, 2014
On the draft
Phil says Knicks "will approach teams" about purchasing a draft pick, but says NYK has limited, prorated funds to do so.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
Jackson says it would be nearly "impossible" to buy a first-round pick, but may be able to buy 2nd-round selection and will look to do that.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
On analytics
Phil says he's spent last few weeks focusing on how to get the best use out of NYKs video and analytics folks.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) May 30, 2014
On Lamar Odom!
.@PhilJackson11 says Lamar Odom is expected to be in town this week (NY) to work out.
— Jonah Ballow (@jonahballow) May 30, 2014
Cool. Thanks for talking, Phil! Thanks for tweeting, reporters!