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Carmelo Anthony says Phil Jackson makes Knicks more attractive, he would adapt style of play

“At the end of the day that’s my first priority, to stay. That’s my first priority. My priority is to figure it out, let’s figure it out together… That’s why at the end of the season everything needs to be laid out on the table. From both parties. If that’s something we can grow with, we can build on, we can compete with at the highest level, then we’re rolling. If that’s not the plan that they have, then we got to talk about something else.”

—Carmelo Anthony, speaking All-Star weekend

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The question was never if Carmelo Anthony wanted to stay with the New York Knicks, he fought to hard to get there to just up and walk away. He wants to retire a Knick, but he also wants a ring (or rings). The question was could the Knicks convince him they would have a plan, a realistic chance to chase a title while he was in New York.

Enter Phil Jackson.

It’s as splashy a hire to take over the team’s basketball operations as could have been made and Anthony again told the New York Post the hiring will be a factor in attracting free agents (including himself).

“The big picture, absolutely, for the big picture this is definitely more attractive,” Anthony said after practice Monday.

One of the first changes Jackson is expected to make after the season is to let go of coach Mike Woodson and bring in a new coach, a new system — if not the full on triangle at least some aspects of it. Which should fit Anthony’s style well.

Is Anthony willing to adapt at this point in his career? He said yes, as reported by ESPNNewYork.com.

“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,” Anthony 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.”

It sounds like the Knicks chances of keeping Anthony in the fold are increasing. The question will be at what price, and how that price impacts the ability of the Knicks to bring in other talent around him over the next couple years.