Derek Fisher doesn’t want Carmelo Anthony back with the Knicks just because he is a perennial All-Star. The Knicks’ new coach wants him because he sees Anthony as the perfect anchor for the triangle offense he and Phil Jackson plan to install.
Though Fisher said at Tuesday’s introductory press conference the triangle isn’t the only set the club will use, he hopes to integrate the system that netted Jackson 11 coaching titles, with Fisher there for five of them in Los Angeles.
During a radio interview on “The Michael Kay Show,” Fisher emphasized his desire to have Anthony re-sign.
“Yes, in my opinion Carmelo will thrive in a triangle system,’’ Fisher said. “He is actually the prototypical triangle player because of his versatility. We could use him at all five positions on the floor. That’s the beauty of the system, being able to move players around on different spots on the floor. I believe we can be great right away because we have that guy we can anchor that system around.”
Fisher took it a step further than in his press conference, saying Anthony can be “a leader on a championship team.’’
Anthony can become a free agent July 1, and he has until June 23 to notify the Knicks whether he is opting out. Jackson is attempting to get Anthony to delay free agency one year. LeBron James, Anthony’s friend, also may not opt out of his contract and become a free agent in 2015. That would give the two flexibility on playing together in Miami or New York.
Jackson said he will meet again with Anthony and his entourage in the near future, and could by the weekend because the Knicks president is soon leaving for his son’s wedding in Turkey.
“I don’t think anyone is expressing lukewarm feelings about wanting him back,’’ Fisher said. “We’re all trying to be respectful as people. Melo is a a great person and family guy. They have to make decisions and are sometimes independent of what’s best for everybody else. Phil, myself, Steve Mills, are trying hard not to turn this into a ‘Carmelo, please stay’ type of process. At the same time we have no problem expressing we do want him to be part of this team. We feel we can win a championship with him as our core and centerpiece.
“He’s done it before at the collegiate level. He hasn’t done it at the pro level yet — yet being the operative word. I do honestly believe he is capable of being a leader of a championship team.”
Fisher, though, isn’t sure Anthony won’t at least test free agency.
“He’s been pretty clear in at least expressing he may want the option to be a free agent, which many players have done in recent years,’’ Fisher said at his press conference. “I don’t think it’s an indictment on the Knicks. He’s maybe never had the experience of being a free agent and he maybe just wants that.”
A source confirmed Fisher’s reported $25 million deal is inflated and contains a host of incentives. Bleacher Report stated his base salary his first year is $4 million. The Post reported Steve Kerr’s reported $25 million Golden State contract also was overstated, and he is making $4.4 million per year for five years, a total of $22 million. A source indicated that is more in line with Fisher’s base, but the important factor is the five years being tied to Jackson’s five-year contract.