Steve Kerr is a smart man.
Already the favorite to become the New York Knicks’ next head coach, Kerr is doing his due diligence, making sure that he’s not entering a dumpster fire beyond Phil Jackson’s repair. There have been reports that he’s vetting the franchise culture before making a decision out of concern for past precedents set by owner James Dolan. Now, according to the New York Post‘s Marc Berman, he’s expecting the Knicks to re-sign Carmelo Anthony this summer:
Kerr is banking on the Knicks re-signing Anthony. In fact, Kerr’s former coach at Arizona, Lute Olson — who speaks to Kerr regularly — told The Post Wednesday that Kerr, the favorite to become the Knicks’ next head coach, said he thinks Anthony would be perfect for the new triangle offense and doesn’t want to lose him.
“Oh yeah, he likes him,’’ Olson said. “I told Steve it’s critical they hold onto him. I would see Carmelo as being [the] Michael Jordan of that triangle offense. Everything would be run through Carmelo. The great thing about that offense is they can really zero in on one or two players.
To be certain, many people expect the Knicks to re-sign Anthony. In Kerr’s case, though, he’s giving himself a way out.
If Anthony’s camp indicates he may not stay in New York, Kerr can use that uncertainty as a means to move on. Most rookie head coaches wouldn’t mind laboring through a rebuilding period, but the Knicks aren’t trying to rebuild—they’re trying to retool. Even if Anthony leaves, the expectation will be that they remain somewhat relevant next season while angling for contention in 2015. That’s some burden.
Reshaping and redefining the Knicks will be tough with Anthony. The thought of coaching in New York without him around could drive Kerr away. The Los Angeles Lakers recently parted ways with Mike D’Antoni, and Kerr is thought to prefer the West Coast. If the Lakers show interest, Kerr could reciprocate.
The Golden State Warriors could also become an option. Mark Jackson’s job is hanging in the balance, likely tied to the team’s postseason finish and Stephen Curry’s loyalty. Should he be sent packing, that’s another job Kerr can possibly entertain.
But despite other potential options, the Knicks still seem like the favorites—both to land Kerr and re-sign Anthony.
Jackson and Anthony recently met for dinner to discuss the latter’s future in New York, and there’s no doubt Kerr entered the conversation. Though New York’s coaching decision isn’t expected to significantly impact Anthony’s free-agency process, it is important. As is the support both Kerr and Jackson have shown.
Upon arrival, it wasn’t known how much of an advocate Jackson would be for Anthony. At his introductory press conference, he dispelled any notion that he wasn’t high on ‘Melo, admitting that he wanted the perennial All-Star to remain part of New York’s future. And it seems Kerr feels the same way.
For Knicks fans who want Anthony to return, that’s good. He wants this. He wants to be wanted. That’s why he’s been so open about his decision to explore free agency. To put it crassly: Anthony wants his ego stroked.
In their own way, Jackson and Kerr appear to be doing just that. And if Kerr agrees to join the Knicks anytime soon or anytime before free agency begins in July, bank on that being a sign the team remains confident Anthony isn’t going anywhere.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com.
