The Knicks were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs Saturday, rendering their old, 2010-inspired plan an official failure, clearing the slate for a brand new blueprint to unfold.
That is, the plan new president Phil Jackson will present to Carmelo Anthony — perhaps during exit interviews later this week — in hopes of ensuring he re-signs.
When Steve Mills was hired as general manager by owner James Dolan four days before training camp, he came in to implement the next plan of attack, to take advantage of cap flexibility for 2015 and possibly 2016 that would entice Anthony to stay put.
Mills and Dolan sold Jackson on the plan during their four-month courtship. But as a person close to the situation says, Jackson is in charge now and has the right to take a detour anytime he wishes.
Jackson appears committed, however, to the notion of grinding through next season, allowing the Knicks’ multitude of expiring contracts to come off the books and going full bore at the heady free-agent class of 2015 that could feature Anthony’s buddy, LeBron James, whom they lost out on in 2010. James has yet to decide whether to opt out this summer.
The contracts of Amare Stoudemire ($23 million), Tyson Chandler ($14 million) and Andrea Bargnani ($11.5 million) all come off the books after next season.
The Knicks stand to possess a load of 2015 cap space — even more if Anthony acts on his own suggestion of taking a “paycut’’ to give the franchise more flexibility.
“There’s a lot of unknowns,’’ one NBA personnel director said regarding the new plan.
What’s known is the 2015 free-agent class is deep and rich — including Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, Goran Dragic, Rajon Rondo, Tony Parker, Roy Hibbert, Paul Millsap, DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol. Even Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh could be free agents in 2015 if they also don’t opt out this summer. If the Knicks don’t hit a home run in 2015, Kevin Durant is free in 2016.
“There’s no doubt that projecting ahead, this year’s free agent crew, we’re not particularly in the running,’’ Jackson said recently. “Not a great crop coming this particular year. But [2015] does have a group of guys together. Steve and I are going to work to manage the roster, our financials, so we can have an impact in that area.’’
Dolan believes Jackson’s 11 coaching rings will be a magnet to lure superstars to New York and convince Anthony to stick and watch the Zen Master try to build his 14th championship team — including two as a Knicks forward.
“I do think Phil’s recruiting ability factors in, but keep in mind when Pat Riley was recruiting LeBron, he already had Wade and Bosh committed,’’ an Eastern Conference GM said. “I’m not so sure Riley gets LeBron without that.’’
Some in the league think Jackson should do what so many other presidents did in 2013-14 — tank. The Knicks could fall into the lottery in 2014-15 when they actually have a first-round pick — a strategy that makes more sense if Duke’s Jabari Parker stays in school.
“They may want to wait a year and bite the bullet,’’ one Western Conference GM said.
It may not be in Jackson’s nature to do so. And Anthony may not want to hear such talk after missing the postseason for the first time.
Jackson, indicating he still wants to win next season, said, “We’re not losing sight of the fact that we’re in a game-to-game basis in this business. And we want to provide a team that’s talented, a team people want to come to watch, and a team that’s truly competitive.’’
However, Jackson’s pitch to Anthony for next season isn’t clear-cut, other than hiring a new coach such as Steve Kerr — who possibly would install Jackson’s Triangle offense — or a more selfless system than Mike Woodson’s predictable scheme. Since Anthony hasn’t come close to a championship in 11 seasons, the thinking is he will buy into anything Jackson says when it comes to systems.
The Knicks will have one big trade chip in Chandler, who isn’t the type of space-eating, post-up, Triangle-type center Jackson likes. Jackson also could try to see if he can revive trade talks with the Clippers and upgrade the point-guard position with Darren Collison, but the Zen Master is said to like Iman Shumpert.
The Knicks have a trove of expiring contracts to deal this summer, but they aren’t as valuable under the new collective bargaining agreement. For one, the new CBA calls for shorter-term contracts across the board. However, at next year’s trading deadline, teams in fear of losing a prominent free agent could be game.
The Knicks don’t have a first- or second-round pick in June’s draft. However, they are willing to buy a second-round selection and also believe the draft is so stocked, a rotation player could fall out of the draft.
Jackson, meanwhile, said he believes there are diamonds in the rough presently sitting on benches with other NBA clubs, and hasn’t excluded Lamar Odom from making his comeback next season as a Knick.
“We’re going to have to go out and work the bushes for players this next year,’’ Jackson said. “We’re going to have to work the coming years as we go forward when we do get draft picks and we have a chance to build this team. We want to also ferret out players who really want to play the type of ball that we want them to play at Madison Square Garden.’’
Indeed, Jackson’s pitch to Anthony can’t all be about new personnel, but a new culture and a basketball philosophy that has a track record.
However, TNT’s Kenny Smith isn’t buying the Riley comparison, wondering about Jackson’s commitment.
“A lot of people are comparing him coming to the Knicks with Pat Riley coming to the Heat,’’ Smith said recently. “But the difference with Pat Riley is he’s there every day, at every practice, at every game. That’s what attracts free agents to Miami, that he knows he’s going to be there if there’s an issue.’’
Former Heat coach Stan Van Gundy scoffed at the notion Jackson will be a master recruiter.
“I definitely don’t think a player makes a decision based on a front-office guy he’s going to have limited contact with,” Van Gundy told the Miami Herald.
If the solid organizations such as the Bulls and Rockets pull off a coup and generate major cap space, it’s not out of the realm Jackson’s plan will fall on deaf ears.
“Will Carmelo be persuaded on what Phil is saying they’re ‘going’ to do?’’ one personnel director said. “That’s a leap of faith.”
A $60 million leap of faith.
Staying or going?
Here’s a look at how the Knicks’ current roster may shake out:
- Carmelo Anthony: Was leaning toward leaving before Phil Jackson came aboard.
- J.R. Smith: Jackson must determine if his talent is worth more than his baggage.
- Iman Shumpert: Found new life as Sixth Man and defensive-minded attitude scores points.
- Raymond Felton: Big push to move him and upgrade PG position.
- Andrea Bargnani: Could be a buyout candidate, damaged goods in any deal.
- Tyson Chandler: No. 1 trade pawn of summer, even amiable center may want out.
- Tim Hardaway Jr: Will be first-team All-Rookie, only would go in major deal for star.
- Kenyon Martin: It’s time to retire and join Jason Kidd’s Nets’ staff.
- Pablo Prigioni: Has long-term deal and is selfless player Jackson likes.
- Amar’e Stoudemire: Why not ride him and see if big finish can be sustained?
- Cole Aldrich: Team player who always should find a roster spot but is free agent.
- Jeremy Tyler: Team option on contract and could be thrown into a trade.
- Tour’e Murry: Why not try to develop some youth?
- Shannon Brown: Knows Jackson and Triangle and is good in locker room.