OKLAHOMA CITY – Meet me in Memphis.
That was Mike Woodson’s take as he said he expects to be coaching the Knicks vs. the Grizzlies in the first game after the All-Star Break – even though Sunday Maurice Cheeks became first NBA coach to be fired this season. And Cheeks’ Pistons are ahead of the Knicks in the standings by a game.
Woodson, speaking before today’s matinee vs. the Thunder, acknowledged his job status is “dangling out there.’’ Knicks owner James Dolan, following last Monday’s loss to league-worst Milwaukee, had started contemplating making a coaching change. But the Knicks righted the sinking ship in an impressive rout of over Denver Friday to half a three-game losing streak.
Asked if he expects to be coaching the team in Memphis, Woodson said “Sure I do. Sure I expect to be coaching. Absolutely.’’
The Knicks are 20-30 and 1 ½ games out of a playoff berth. Carmelo Anthony appears to be behind Woodson, saying Friday the team’s “inconsistencies’’ have come from not playing hard enough. Woodson still feels he has the support of the players and front office. Knicks president Steve Mills was in Oklahoma City Sunday but has attended almost all the home games. He hasn’t spoken to the media since the regular season began.
“I’m still coaching the Knicks,’’ Woodson said. “That’s how I look at it. If I didn’t have the support, I’d probably be looking for the job. That’s ot the case. Guys are in my corner. I got to keep pushing guys.’
“The team has never really quit. The team has been competitive with peaks and valleys. I thought vs. Portland (Wednesday) we competed and other night we were good beginning to end. ‘’
“They know it’s dangling,’’ Woodson added. “My theme to our players Woodson is a big boy. He’s been around the block a few times. It’s part of the business if it happens. You can’t worry about me. It’s never been about me. It’s about the makeup of the team. Coach plays a major but at end of day players still have to be together and play at a high level.’’