New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson told the press in Los Angeles that Carmelo Anthony is still the cornerstone of the franchise. It comes just several days after Anthony expressed disappointment in the Knicks losing record for the third straight season.

Jackson insisted that the Knicks will build around Anthony and he has already talked to his 31-year-old superstar. However, the 11-time NBA champion coach added that it's in the nine-time All-Star's hands if he wants to get traded in the offseason or not.

"It's entirely up to Carmelo. He has it in his contract. It's part of our agreement with him. If you want to leave, you have the decision to leave. We don't have that. That's the contract we negotiated with him. It's in his lap," Jackson said.

He also said that engaging in talks with Anthony is very important in the Knicks future. But to have a future, Jackson has to find a new coach and point guard for next season.

Kurt Rambis to be Named Head Coach?

The Knicks are 4-8 since Kurt Rambis took over as interim head coach and Jackson seems to be unhappy with the record. Nevertheless, Rambis is in a good spot to be named the head coach for next season as he has been under Jackson's wing since 1999.

"He knows the ins and outs," Jackson said. "We have a relationship that's much more tight. Having tried to create autonomy for Derek separated me from the direct contact."

However, the 70-year-old executive wants to see an improvement for the rest of the season before making a final decision on his next head coach.

"The Zen Master" also pointed out Rambis' abysmal 32-132 record with the Minnesota Timberwolves from 2009 to 2011. But he praised him for being a good defensive coordinator in their time together with the Los Angeles Lakers.

No Mike Conley or Rajon Rondo

The Knicks will have enough salary cap room to sign either Conley or Rondo this offseason, but judging from Jackson's comments, he's not going after a big name point guard in free agency.

"Chasing a point guard, where it becomes just an obsession, isn't necessary. It's not necessary. We can play the game without that," he said. Jackson pointed out the success of the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers even without a star point guard. He revealed that his plan is to develop talent already in the Knicks.

Just in case you're wondering why the Knicks team president was in Los Angeles, New York is in the midst of a six-game road trip. They will face the Lakers on Sunday, Mar. 13. Oh, and there are also rumors of him leaving the Knicks and re-joining the Lakers.

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