Phil Jackson’s criticism of Carmelo Anthony was actually a vicious self-own

During Phil Jackson’s exit press conference on Friday, the Knicks’ president delivered a message to media, detailing his intentions to move on from All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony. When Jackson was asked if he wanted the franchise’s seventh all-time leading scorer to return to the team, the Zen Master said the team hasn’t been able to win with him.

That sentiment is true of Jackson, not Anthony.

Prior to Jackson joining the Knicks as president in 2013, the Knicks made the playoffs three consecutive years, highlighted by a 54-win 2012-13 season under head coach Mike Woodson. But things in New York devolved after Jackson took office.

In his full three seasons at the helm, the Knicks have amassed an 80-166 record, the lowlight of which was a franchise-worst 17-65 season in 2014. Only the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers and New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets have fewer wins during that span.

Jackson has bulldozed the Knicks’ roster twice and seems headed that direction for another season.

Anthony has his flaws. His defensive effort has long been in question, and his tendency to hold onto the ball in isolation situations cannot be ignored. But his penchant to do so is part of what has made him one of the league’s more feared scorers, and those predispositions were in place long before Jackson signed him to a five-year contract extension in 2014.

Anthony’s tenure in New York may have run its course, but Jackson’s track record as president leaves much to be desired. His moves have left more questions than answers, and the team’s record during his tenure equally indicts the roster and management.

If he follows through on the trade — which will require some effort given Anthony’s no-trade clause and 15 percent trade kicker — Jackson will have a clean slate to start building from the ground up.

And if success doesn’t ensue, maybe it isn’t Anthony who the Knicks can’t win with.