Mike Woodson would prefer his players to keep their comments to themselves. As the New York Knicks continue to struggle on the court, tension is rising in the locker room and in front of the media. Following a double-digit loss to the Brooklyn Nets, several players including Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony spoke out saying the team was simply out schemed. Many took that as an indirect hit towards Woodson and he was not thrilled.
According to the New York Daily News, Woodson confronted Chandler about his public remarks and told him everything must stay within the locker room regarding things like that.
"Sometimes it's healthy when players get upset; it means they're ticking a little bit. If they want to lash out at me, that's fine. I'm not a coach that takes things personally," Woodson said. "At the end of the day we got to meet at a common ground and win ball games. That's what it's all about and that's what I'm trying to be about. I still have to stay positive and I still have to coach and push this team to play at a high level, and that's what I'm going to try to do the rest of the way."
Chandler backtracked on his comments the following day and stressed that they were not meant towards Woodson, but more just the team in general. He also indicated that his comments were also meant to be a compliment to rookie head coach and former teammate Jason Kidd.
don't want to switch. I personally don't like it. You come with a defensive plan and then every guy kind of mans up and takes his responsibility. I think switching should always be your last resort. That's me, personally," Chandler said.
As of right now, the Knicks are on pace to lose 52 games on a season they were expected to contend for a title. While James Dolan has been outspoken with his support towards Woodson, many wonder just how long that endorsement will last. The Daily News reports that general manager Chris Mills is going increasingly impatient with Woodson. Sources say ownership is unhappy with the fact that the head coach is not holding players accountable for the losses.
It is hard to believe that Woodson finishes the season as head coach. He told the media that job security is not something he is concerning himself with noting that rumors are part of the business.
"This is 30 years I've been around this business. It happens to coaches. But my focus is not on that," Woodson said. "My focus is trying to salvage this season with 41 games left to get us back to the top. That's the only thing I'm focusing on and I'm going to continue to think that way."
