The Knicks won just 37 games last season and with no draft picks and not much cap room for free agents, many people feel as though New York is doomed for another trying year in 2014-15. Phil Jackson isn't among those people, and the Zen Master hopes Carmelo Anthony will stay.
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Amid the beliefs that the Knicks will be mediocre until the summer of 2015, Jackson said that if the team re-signs Carmelo Anthony, it can contend next year after going into the season this year with championship aspirations from owner James Dolan and failing to make the playoffs.
Jackson believes the team just needs a fresh start heading into next season.
"I do. I think it has to have kind of a refreshed attitude," Jackson told ESPN.. "I think they call it a beginner mind. Needs a beginner mind to start over again. In the process to bond together, that's what teams do that are successful and come back with 'OK we can do this.
"We can collectively get ourselves back on the same page, same breath and same idea of selfless behavior, whatever our roles and get out there and play the game that's competitive.' There should be ample opportunity for this team to come back into competition next year."
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Anthony is expected to opt out of his contract and test the market next month, but he can make the most money by staying in New York. Still, the Knicks star has championship aspirations and could choose to take less money to play with a more serious contender next season.
Jackson, though, believes he can turn the franchise around after becoming its president in March.
In a weakened Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division, it is possible that the Knicks could compete next season, however with limited options this offseason, Jackson is hopeful that Anthony will decide to stay.
It will be an interesting offseason for New York, as it will look to improve in its first full season with Jackson at the helm as president after finishing 37-45 and in third place in the Atlantic Division.
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