New York Knicks: Phil Jackson continues to push away Carmelo Anthony

Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) is greeted by fans as he takes the court before a game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The battle between New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson and All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony continues as we approach NBA Draft night.

The controversial comments made last month by New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson caused a stir around the NBA. They garnered plenty of backlash from not only players, but many other members of the sports media squarely put him in the forefront of the team's problems the past few seasons.

The constant public urging to trade All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony has yet to let up as the former NBA Coach of the Year is still hoping he waives the no-trade clause in his contract.

In a short media scrum during day one of the 2017 NBA Draft combine in Chicago, Jackson continued to push the notion that Anthony isn't wanted in New York next season. Jackson, showing no signs of retracting from his comments last month, calmly explained the team's mindset to move on and that Anthony would be better suited chasing a championship somewhere else in the NBA.

As the words from Jackson seemed supportive of Anthony, a veteran still looking for a championship ring, it's still a very blatant statement to ask the team's leading scorer to leave.

The initial statements last month from Jackson garnered the attention of Michele Roberts, who serves as the executive director of the National Basketball Players Association. Roberts alerted her displeasure with the comments to NBA commissioner Adam Silver and had plenty more to say on the issue during an interview with The Vertical.

Jackson made sure to address the problems Roberts has with his comments by calling Silver himself and explaining the situation. He broke down with reporters the importance of giving Knicks fans hope and honesty heading into next season.

Jackson will be continuing to evaluate young talent at the combine as the Knicks await the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery on May 16.