Phil Jackson believes the off-court turbulence surrounding star forward Carmelo Anthony was the decisive factor behind his unsuccessful spell running the New York Knicks, according to comments reported on October 29, 2025.
The Hall of Fame coach and former team president said persistent drama involving Anthony distracted the franchise and undercut the basketball plan he tried to install during his tenure at Madison Square Garden. Jackson maintained that the controversy ultimately prevented the organization from moving forward and achieving consistent results.
Jackson’s remarks mark a rare public reflection on a tenure that ended without the turnaround many fans had anticipated when he was hired to oversee basketball operations.
Source: New York Post
