Following Wednesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks owner James Dolan reportedly asked Carmelo Anthony whether coach Mike Woodson should be fired. Although some fear Woodson has lost the locker room, a person close to Anthony told the New York Daily News that the All-Star doesn't want Woodson out.
New York (19-30) followed their four-game winning streak with a three-game losing streak. Amidst growing concern the team no longer wants to play for Woodson, Dolan reportedly met privately with Anthony Wednesday night and discussed the coaching situation.
"James Dolan's visit to the Knicks' locker room late Wednesday included a high-level meeting with Carmelo Anthony and at least one other player to discuss the state of the club and whether a coaching change is necessary," Frank Isola of The Daily News wrote on Thursday. "According to a team source, Dolan is ... contemplating removing head coach Mike Woodson."
Anthony is worried about earning the reputation of a "coach killer," and a person close to Anthony told Isola that Anthony is still willing to play for Woodson.
"There may be players that have a problem with Woody and want to blame him but Carmelo isn't one of them," the person said. "If Carmelo has tuned out Woody or doesn't want him as a coach, why did he score 62 points two weeks ago? Why was he player of the month in January?"
There are major holes in the Knicks' roster, but after going from 54 wins last season to just 19 this season, the blame has fallen on Woodson. Tyson Chandler is at least one Knick who's openly criticized Woodson's coaching, according to Isola.
An increasing concern for Dolan is the possibility of losing Anthony in free agency this summer. Anthony initially appeared likely to re-sign with New York, but the Knicks' poor season -- coupled with his desire to win a championship -- may have Anthony suiting for another team next season.
