A game of “he-said-this-he-said-that” in the sports world is always entertaining and brings out the most drama in everyone involved. The game is played at the most inopportune time: when teams are losing. The participants: the coach and ownership. The setting: New York City. This Mecca of sports greatness never fails to bring a dull moment and just like the city, their reporters never sleep. It has been one thing after another with the Knicks this season. From J.R. Smith untying people’s shoelaces to Carmelo Anthony‘s 62-point outburst a few weeks ago and now the Mike Woodson saga.
In the world of NBA coach firings and trade talks, Mike Woodson is the head honcho. It has been rumored for weeks now that the Knicks could fire Woodson as early as this week and make preparations for a new coach before the All-Star break. Despite multiple reports that he could be on his way out, Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he expects to return after the All-Star break.
"“Unless you guys know something I don’t know, the only thing I can say is, I’m going to be back,” Woodson said Monday after the Knicks did not practice at their Westchester facility due to having only five healthy bodies."
Woodson said he hasn’t discussed his situation with the players and added that he isn’t coaching any differently.
"“They know it’s dangling,” he said. “My theme to our players is that Woodson’s a big boy. He’s been around the block a few times. It’s a part of the business, if it happens. It’s never been about me.”"
It is quite possible that Woodson has lost the confidence of his players, which is a bad sign for his coaching future in the Big Apple. If Woodson is fired he won’t be the only one at fault. The Knicks have had inconsistent play from their point guards, Raymond Felton and Pablo Prigioni, as well as swingman Iman Shumpert. Despite Carmelo Anthony having one of the best offensive seasons of his career, the Knicks have posted the worst record to date since they acquired Anthony from the Denver Nuggets in 2010.
The Knicks are 20-31 entering Wednesday’s game against Sacramento and more lost games can only hurt Woodson’s chances of being employed.