Pro-Jackson columnist Rosen rips Melo, Porzingis after firing

Phil Jackson wasn't at fault for his firing, at least not according to his ghostwriter Charley Rosen, who often speaks directly for Jackson.

In his usual Knicks column at Fanrag Sports, Rosen tore into all of Jackson's detractors, while deflecting any and all blame levied upon his close friend Jackson, who was fired by the team after three wildly unsuccessful seasons.

Rosen took aim at his usual target in Carmelo Anthony, who Jackson actively sought to alienate in a cynical attempt to uproot him from New York. Rosen nailed Anthony for being a ball-hog, a careless defender, and even stooped so low as to mention Anthony's separation from his wife.

On Anthony:

His sticky fingers destroyed any offensive cohesion. He saved steps on defense and was always a malcontent. Trading him would have been (and still is) best for him and for the organization.

Yet because of the media’s bias, Melo was always portrayed as a victim and Jackson the victimizer. The first part of this scenario lasted until Anthony’s allegedly adulterous affair became public knowledge.

Kristaps Porzingis, an irresistible fan-favorite, also took heat from Rosen, since Porzingis bailed on Jackson after the season was over. Rosen labeled Porzingis a "prima donna" while also taking one more swipe at Anthony for souring the pot by "complaining."

True, because of Melo and Rose, K.P. didn’t get enough shots. However, he was also unduly influenced by Anthony’s private complaining, so much so that he became disrespectful to several members of the coaching staff.

...

Anyway, with Porzingis acting like a prima donna, and with his guaranteed tenure in New York limited to the next two seasons, how risky would it be to make him the focus of the offense?

Rosen devoted the remainder of the column to a shameless defense of Jackson's worst transactions. He tore into every outgoing Knicks player as a justification for Jackson's mediocre returns.

On the Tyson Chandler trade: Chandler offered "no-offense, overrated defense and chronic malcontent," while Raymond Felton was "a slow, mediocre point guard."

On the J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert trade: Smith was "unreliable", Shumpert was, "loud, boisterous, annoying presence in the locker room." Jackson acquired "useful players" in Lance Thomas and Lou Amundson.

On the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade: Hardaway was "selfish, defenseless, and incredibly immature."

On the Derrick Rose trade: "His positives failed to outweigh his negatives."

On the Joakim Noah signing: Noah was "still a tough and savvy defender" and "arguably the best passing big in the league." Noah also "wasn't in game shape" when he arrived in training camp.

Rosen claimed that he did not contact Jackson for his column, but did offer a full-throated tribute for Jackson after his dismissal:

Jackson should be remembered not only for his rings, but for his honesty, loyalty, willingness to take risks, and above all for being, to all who know him well, a championship-caliber human being.