Scotto: Phil Jackson Rejuvenates Carmelo Anthony, But Will Melo Stay?

The Rockets have also been rumored to be interested in a potential sign-and-trade for Anthony, but they would have to offer the Knicks a very enticing package for them to consider dealing him. New York holds the leverage in that scenario because if they elect not to deal with the Rockets, the team doesn’t have the necessary cap space to sign a player of Anthony’s caliber.

(RELATED: HOUSTON ROCKETS SALARIES AND ANALYSIS)

The Lakers appear to have faded as a possible suitor for Anthony. Instead, the team appears focused on acquiring Kevin Love via a trade or in free agency during the summer of 2015 if they can’t make a trade earlier.

Lastly, for those who are wondering if Anthony, James, Wade and Bosh would all accept $14 million to join forces in South Beach, let’s just say you have a better chance of the Knicks City Dancers doing a routine after each quarter.

“I think the best opportunity is to stay,” Jackson told ESPN Radio after his introductory press conference. “There haven’t been many players that have really wanted to leave. Financially, it’s a better opportunity. I also think that the ability to win in New York is such a lore, it’s such a magnet for players to be in a place where the game matters and fans matter; they care about the game. All of these things make New York a great place for Carmelo to stay. I think he’s grown accustomed to living here. I think he realizes that and there’s hope. There’s a strong hope and a strong reason for him to stay.”

However, Jackson envisions a different, better version of Anthony going forward.

“Carmelo’s got so many skills on the floor,” Jackson said in an interview with Walt Frazier on MSG Network. “Scoring, he’s good in the post, he’s good outside, he’s a 3-point shooter. I’d like to see him have a real ability to go to spots at various places on the floor where people can’t pre-register where he’s going, defenses don’t know, they’re just playing him as a cutter, as a pinch post player, one-on-one.

“One of the nice things I liked about the team last year when (Jason) Kidd was with this team, (Anthony) ran screen-and-roll a lot with Kidd at the pinch post. That sets up mismatches between guards and forwards and those are things I think Carmelo can get back to, which increases his efficiency on the floor.”

Anthony, who operates primarily on the wing and pinch post, would be a fit in the triangle offense and is willing to expand his game with Jackson’s guidance.

“He’s a genius,” Anthony said. “He’s a basketball guru. He’s done it so many times, so many ways in so many different situations. Hopefully we can make something happen here.

“With Phil’s expertise, I can rely on him, talk to him and use him as a mentor to try to get to that next level. I’m not at a stage where I’m sold on this or sold on that. I want to get better; I’m looking to get better and with that come hopefully with winning the championship. I’m all about enhancing my game. I’m all about that. If Phil can help that, I’m all about that.”

The Knicks hope to have more nights like Wednesday, when they beat the Eastern Conference-leading Indiana Pacers and Madison Square Garden was rocking like a Billy Joel concert.

“The energy is not just in the building, it’s throughout the whole city, all of New York City, the fans and the supporters of the Knicks,” Anthony said afterward. “You could just feel the energy. You could feel the energy when you walk into this building.”

If Jackson can re-sign Anthony and build a championship team around him, the “Zen Master” should star in a remake of Miracle on 34th Street.

Michael Scotto is a Sheridan Hoops NBA columnist. You can follow him on Twitter.