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Update: Here's video.
Hi! I know there's a game on and everything, but Phil Jackson spoke today, addressing the recent trade, plans, and the sorry state of the 2014-2015 Knicks.
On the trade and the circumstances that led to it:
Phil: Trades weren't to "end our efforts to the season, but to change our efforts for the season." Said the team's energy wasn't right.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) January 10, 2015
Phil: "We didn't adjust as quickly as we'd hoped to." Suggests there was negativity toward triangle offense. "It stilted our acceptability."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) January 10, 2015
Phil notes there were 6 new players on this roster: "We didnt wanna go through as many changes [next yr], but it looks like we may have to."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) January 10, 2015
On responsibility for the team sucking:
Phil Jackson, speaking before Saturday's game, issues a "mea culpa". "I want fans to leave Derek Fisher alone. It's not his fault" #NYK
— Zach Schonbrun (@zschonbrun) January 10, 2015
On the approach the rest of the year:
Phil: "We're gonna be active, open and selective."
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) January 10, 2015
Phil Jackson on moving players before the deadline, says "no one should be surprised by what we do." #Knicks
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 10, 2015
On the plan going forward:
Phil says NY hasnt been successful at luring stars to NY for decades. Understands many fans want that, but says it may make more (cont'd)
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) January 10, 2015
... sense to build a team in piecemeal fashion. Says it hasn't been done that way in NY before, but says this is the right time.
— Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) January 10, 2015
On Carmelo Anthony's injuries:
More Phil on Melo: "I know the All Star game is important to him, and playing in London is important to him..."
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 10, 2015
On Carmelo Anthony, Phil Jackson says the decision rests with him re: shutting it down. He says surgery is a possibity.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 10, 2015
So there you go. If you think Dad tried to compete this year and messed up, he threw you a bone. If you think he's just pretending and viewed this year as bridge year no matter the outcome, there's that. Either way, he wants us to know that players are gone because they weren't those "learners" he talked about, and he knows there's more to building a team than just buying the shiniest, priciest names available as soon as possible. That was nice to hear. The stuff about Melo's injury is the only part that really bothers me.
Anyway, game time!
(Update: If you're watching the game, hearing Phil talk about how the Knicks have always "chased the next big star" and they won't do that this time is very heartening.)