The battle lines now appear to be drawn in Madison Square Garden. On one side: New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. On the other: team president of basketball operations Phil Jackson, whose public comments -- and those by Jackson associate Charley Rosen -- have led Anthony to consider his future with the Knicks.
"If they feel my time in New York is over, I guess that's a conversation we should have," Anthony said Sunday.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, that meeting took place Tuesday. The meeting, originally described as contentious, but later modified to more substantive than previous sit-downs between Jackson and Anthony, with Jackson asking whether Anthony wants to stay with the Knicks and Anthony saying yes.
If the Knicks ultimately have to choose between Anthony and Jackson, what should they do? Jackson's five-year contract has a mutual opt-out at the end of this season, meaning the Knicks can let him go. Does it make sense to keep the legendary coach as team president?