In a surprising development, an emotional Carmelo Anthony gave his season’s strongest endorsement to lame-duck coach Mike Woodson, saying he’d give him “a recommendation’’ if that’s what it takes for him to return next season.
It appears a foregone conclusion Phil Jackson will not bring Woodson back, making Anthony’s plea interesting. Exit meetings are being conducted by Jackson and general manager Steve Mills, not Woodson.
Steve Kerr, Jackson’s former point guard and former Suns GM, has been viewed as a top candidate despite having no head-coaching experience. Jim Cleamons, now an assistant with Milwaukee and Jackson’s assistant for nine championships, could then be added as Kerr’s top assistant.
“Mike Woodson has become a guy I can talk to, almost a father figure, a friend, a guy I can bounce stuff off of,’’ Anthony said. “When that time comes, if it’s ready for me to step up and take the next step, [and say whether] Mike Woodson needs to stay or go — I don’t think it will come down to that — but I would back him. If he needs my recommendation, here or anywhere else, I’d back him. I have nothing bad to say about Mike Woodson. For me as a player, I had some of my best years under Mike Woodson.’’
Amar’e Stoudemire reiterated the players didn’t listen enough to Woodson this season but gave him great praise.
“I’ve learned the most defensively of any other coach I’ve ever been coached by,’’ Stoudemire said. “I’ve picked up so many great things from coach Woodson. He did a great job as far as teaching the game of basketball. Again, the coaching situation is up in the air and I’m not sure which direction we’re going in.”