GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Phil Jackson reiterated that the Knicks' strong ties to Creative Artists Agency won't stop him from doing whatever he feels will improve the team.
CAA represents Carmelo Anthony and several other Knicks players and executives.
"No, we discussed this," Jackson said when asked if CAA will have any impact on his decision-making, especially with Anthony set to become a free agent in the offseason. "As part of my role as coming here was: Is there anything that would inhibit me from having the freedom to work with all the people in the NBA that represent players? And there is nothing.
"So, I know there are connections and there are friendships, and whatever has been in the past, but those don’t weigh in on me."
CAA has had a heavy influence on the Knicks, who re-signed J.R. Smith and kept his brother, Chris, on the 15-man roster at the start of the season. The two brothers are also repped by the agency.
Jackson also added that he is looking into many different manners on how to improve the team, despite the challenging roster and cap limitations the Knicks will face this offseason.
"There are always ways to make moves, even though the limitations and flexibility is limited," Jackson said. "But we anticipate that we are going to try and improve the team in every position we can."
