NEW ORLEANS – The All-Star break doesn’t mean there is a break in mocking the Knicks.
Chris Paul, a free agent this summer, took a dig at Knicks president Phil Jackson, while Clippers running mate DeAndre Jordan said Carmelo Anthony, his US Olympic teammate, surely would fit into his Los Angeles squad.
And Team USA’s DeMarcus Cousins said Anthony is being shown “disrespect’’ with the Knicks, who have spoken to three teams about a potential trade despite Anthony’s no-trade clause.
Anthony was nowhere to be found during Friday’s media availability for All-Star Weekend, but his spirit was there at the New Orleans hotel. The NBA gave Anthony a pass to skip the press conferences because he was a last-minute replacement for Kevin Love, a reluctant participant looking forward to a family vacation. Anthony was expected to arrive late Friday night in time for Saturday’s practice.
The Knicks have had conversations with the Clippers about a deal, but Anthony’s $28 million salary – with a trade kicker – presents cap issues.
“Anytime you get a chance to get a player like Carmelo it is really cool,’’ Jordan said. “I played with Carmelo this summer. Great teammate, great basketball player, playmaker, scorer. I think [he would fit in]. Playing with him this summer, I think he’s a great teammate. Anybody would be lucky to have him.’’
Because of tampering issues, Paul, the president of the players’ union, said at a press conference announcing the finalizing of the new CBA that Jackson has overstepped his bounds.
“It’s probably not beneficial to talk about your player in the paper,’’ Paul said. Jackson recently posted on Twitter endorsing an anti-Anthony article and comparing him to NBA bust Michael Graham.
Asked if he feels for Anthony, Paul said, “He’s an All-Star.’’
“Melo is like my brother,’’ added Paul, a free agent this summer still rehabbing a thumb injury. “Anything affecting him at times, it can affect me.”
Would you like to see him in a new city such as LA?
“You think you’re going to get me to say that?” Paul said as he walked away, smiling.
Cousins lauded Anthony as a mentor after the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
“Player that talented, one who gives his all nightly? I don’t understand the situation,’’ Cousins said of Jackson exploring dealing Anthony. “Me growing up, Carmelo was my favorite player. I hate to see the disrespect he’s going through. I think he deserves more praise than he’s receiving.”
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