New York Knicks owner James Dolan reportedly doesn't want to fire coach Mike Woodson during the season. Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, meanwhile, wants ex-pupil and soon-to-be free agent Carmelo Anthony playing for a championship contender.
New York is barely clawing to stay in contention for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. After finishing with 54 wins last season, the Knicks have sputtered to a 20-32 record. Blame for the poor season has largely fallen on Woodson.
While Woodson's job security has been a topic of discussion all season, Dolan reportedly wants to finish the season before deciding whether to make a coaching change.
"James Dolan WANTS to keep Woody rest of season," ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted on Wednesday. "Does NOT want to make change now."
Dolan reportedly met privately with Anthony last week and asked whether the All-Star believed a coaching change was needed. Anthony, who's concerned about gaining the reputation of a "coach killer," said he's still willing to play under Woodson, according to the New York Daily News.
The losing season doesn't help New York's chances of re-signing Anthony in the summer. Anthony has said his only goal now is to win a championship, and the Knicks' roster appears far from ready to make a title run.
Boeheim, Anthony's college basketball coach, believes Anthony should consider his legacy and sign with whichever team offers him the best chance to win a championship.
"What I'd tell him is what I would tell any NBA great player," Boeheim said, via CBS Sports. "If you're a great player in the NBA, for you to be recognized as a great player you have to win a championship. It's as simple as that. And I think you have to put yourself in the best position possible to win a championship. LeBron James did it. ... And it's changed the image of LeBron James forever.
"I think you have to be in a place that you have a chance to win a championship. I think Carmelo loves New York, but I would tell him, 'Let's try to get some place where you can win this thing.'"
Anthony is eligible to become a free agent in July.
