Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson expects a lot from Carmelo Anthony in the 2015-16 NBA season. And in a recent interview, Jackson said he believes Anthony could be the Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant of their team.

Jackson, who is famous for his vaunted triangle offense, has won six NBA titles with Jordan in Chicago and five titles with Bryant in Los Angeles.

Jackson, the Knicks team president, admires both players. And based on what he saw from Anthony during his first year playing under the triangle offense, the 11-time champion coach is convinced the All-Star forward has the qualities to become the Jordan and Bryant of the Knicks.

"Melo is a leader by example, not by exhorting his teammates," Jackson said. "He's also very into the triangle, and with a better supporting cast he has every chance to be the MJ and Kobe of our offense."

Anthony, who will be playing in the second year of the five-year deal worth $124 million he signed before last season, struggled to adjust to the triangle offense during their first several games last year, but showed willingness to learn the intricate system.

However, his season was cut short after the 31-year-old forward decided to undergo knee surgery. Before the surgery, the 12-year veteran averaged 24.2 points on top of 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 40 games.

According to Jackson, Anthony has been working hard to regain his form. The 69-year-old boxing icon is convinced Anthony will be 100 percent healthy when training camp starts for the Knicks.

"He has an extensive rehab program and he came back at full strength from a similar operation on his other leg," Jackson said of Anthony. "He's a quick healer so I don't expect him to be anything but 100 percent by training camp."

Anthony was also mentioned in trade rumors earlier this month, as previous reports indicated the he was frustrated with their offseason after failing to sign big-name free agents like DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge.

The former Syracuse standout was also reportedly irked by the decision to draft Kristaps Porzingis with their fourth pick, and the trade that sent Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Atlanta Hawks for rookie Jerian Grant.

Anthony denied such reports during an interview with New York Post.

"It's always speculation," Anthony said. "I try to use summer to myself and get away from the media. Then somehow it comes back to me. I don't get upset at that, but does it get overwhelming sometimes, yeah. But it's the life I live. I haven't said none of that. Whatever rumors you guys heard about me and Phil, about Porzingis, it's all false."

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