11-13-2019, 12:06 AM
(11-08-2019, 04:16 PM)TanMan Wrote: I found this to be an interesting read and learned some new things about the deterioration of the relationship between KP and the Knicks...Summary of seasons with Knicks --
https://nypost.com/2019/11/08/inside-tox...nevitable/
2015-2016 Things went well, except for some minor injuries. However, Phil Jackson sought offers for KP after the season. Had big picture concerns about long-term durability. Saw that smaller, more muscular players could successfully defend against KP postups. Balance issues with KP's shot. Did not pull the trigger on a trade. KP probably never knew he was shopped around.
2016-2017 The situation deteriorated from both sides. KP was unhappy that the front office was trying to run Melo off, as he looked up to Melo. The team perceived that KP was exhibiting diva behavior, citing cursing the head coach during practice, parking haphazardly in front of the players' entrance instead of using his assigned spot, missing the team's biggest season-ticket holders' event, and asking for an "inordinate" number of free tickets for the US Open and then cancelling when he didn't get them all. He also blew off his exit interview at the end of the season.
Jackson again pursued offers for KP after the season, believing that he could get a huge haul. In addition to the above issues, Phil did not like KP's brother/agent Janis and thought he was too inexperienced. The Celtics offered a "trove of assets," but Jackson did not complete the trade, possibly on orders of Jim Dolan.
2017-2018 Jackson was fired during the offseason, and Steve Mills sought to bury the hatchet, but KP did not trust him. KP brought his personal physiotherapist to NYC on his own dime, and wanted the team to hire him, or give him access to the facilities. Janis also wanted a job with the Knicks, but the team wasn't interested. KP was voted an All-Star, but the Knicks experienced rampant losing. In February, KP tore his ACL. The Knicks were disappointed when he decided to rehab in Spain, but went along with it.
2018-2019 KP stayed all summer in Spain. KP was accused of rape, and in October, the accuser wanted the team to mediate the situation. KP denied the accusation. As the season progressed, KP became more detached, arranging to come to rehab before Knicks practices, meaning that he would spend very little time around teammates. When it came time to start practicing with assistant coaches, he stopped showing up. The Knicks were getting the feeling that KP had no intention of playing in 18-19, and started having discussions with other teams after Christmas. In January, Janis announced that KP wanted a trade, and that if he were not traded, he would return to Spain to complete his rehab.
He was traded to the Mavs. The Mavs hired the personal trainer, who works mostly with KP and rides on the team plane to road games. The Knicks were not able to sign a star free agent with the cap space created by the trade.