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Carmelo Anthony Has Chance to Be Jordan, Kobe for Knicks, Says Phil Jackson

Carmelo Anthony has become a lightning rod of criticism for the New York Knicks, but team president Phil Jackson believes big things are in store for the 31-year-old.

Speaking after a disastrous 17-65 season about the entire Knicks roster to Charley Rosen of ESPN.com, Jackson said he believes that Anthony can play the role that Michael Jordan did for the Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant did for the Los Angeles Lakers.

"Melo is a leader by example," Jackson said, "not by exhorting his teammates. 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.