NBA

Melo on Jackson’s low-key approach: ‘He knows what he’s doing’

Knicks president Phil Jackson is expected to grace the Garden tonight for Nets-Knicks after deciding to stay away from the team during the final four games of their 3-2 Western trip.

Jackson bailed after the Knicks got humiliated at Staples Center by the Lakers in the trip’s opener, but Carmelo Anthony says the $60 million Zen Master knows what he’s doing.

Anthony said perhaps he’s giving the club space as they fight for their playoff lives.

Asked by The Post if Jackson might be afraid of becoming a distraction if he traveled with the club out West, Anthony said, “I don’t think he’s a distraction. Right now it’s about us. I don’t think there’s anything he’s going to do or change right now. It’s about what we do on the basketball court.’’

Jackson watched the Lakers’ game hidden from view — high up in a suite. He wasn’t with the team before or after the game but did say his new club was “really awful’’ and said he’s “on a talent hunt.’’

Jackson attended the morning shootaround after which he took a secret passageway to avoid a group of reporters waiting for him by the arena’s loading dock.

“He’s smart,’’ Anthony said of his low-key approach. “He knows what he’s doing. He’s been in this situation before with fighting for spots and trying to win basketball games. Now he’s on the outside looking in. I guess he’s giving us our space. We’re not really concerned about that right now.’’

Jackson’s “Invisi-Phil’’ approach is surprising considering he has written a slew of books on leadership. One theory is he already has decided to clean house and needs no further close-up inspection. General manager Steve Mills was with the Knicks throughout the trip.

Knicks owner James Dolan made the hiring official two weeks ago, raving about Jackson’s “basketball mind.’’ But he has met with just one player — Anthony.

Though Anthony is banged up, tweaking his ankle and hurting his hand out West, he often has played his best basketball in April. He has won the last two Player of the Month Awards for April. He averaged 36.9 points last April and 29.8 points in 2011-12.

“It comes down to the close of the season, normally preparing for the playoffs, taking everything up a notch in focus and mentality,’’ Anthony said. “It’s a short month when it comes to regular-season games, then start preparing for the playoffs.’’

Jackson, who said at his press conference Anthony has another level to get to, will watch intently.

Anthony is the lone player Jackson has said he wants back.

“I know I have some ways to go to get better, where I want to be,’’ Anthony said. “I agree with him. We’re going to work towards that.’’