The Triangle Offense instantly conjures up images of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Scottie Pippen, and even Shaquille O’Neal. These four players were either the focal point of the offense or played a significant role in its success during dominant title runs in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Next up: Carmelo Anthony.
The parts around Anthony are essential to the execution of the Triangle but there is a deep curiosity surrounding the prolific scorer in the midst of his prime in New York. In four seasons for the Knicks, Anthony has averaged 26.5 points per game and captured the NBA’s scoring title in 2013. New York’s president Phil Jackson believes Anthony will face a slight adjustment period this season.
“Looking to score is one thing, holding the ball is another,” Jackson explained at the Knicks first media day session on Friday morning. “So, that’s one of the things that players learn, that tempo and rhythm and I don’t think it’s going to be that difficult of a situation.”
Jackson described the differences between Jordan, Pippen, and Bryant. During the early years in Chicago, Jackson said Jordan felt a bit uncomfortable moving off the wing to the top of the floor. This was the case until Pippen essentially became the point guard or the lead guard as Jackson defined it. Jackson added that Bryant’s fit was natural in the Triangle, yet he had to overcome some decision-making hurdles of when to attack and when to orchestrate the offense.
“Carmelo is not going to be asked to play at the top of the floor to start with. We are going to expect him to move up there and play all the positions as we go forward but he is going to be in a position that is pretty defined and I think he’ll be quite comfortable in the positions he’s at on the floor,” Jackson divulged.
If the Knicks Summer League action was any indication of what is to come this year, fans should see Anthony operating in devastating fashion in the pinch post. This is the area on the weak side of the court, high post. Anthony will see a variety of options at this spot, where he can initiate a dribble hand-off to the trailing guard, isolate at his favorite location for a midrange jumper, or ball reversal to create an opportunity for his teammates.
Fisher points to Jordan and Bryant as the pioneers that Anthony can emulate in his attempt to replicate their championship achievements.
“I think Carmelo now has multiple examples of how guys have been successful inside this system. Michael broke the mold in a sense of how to be that great within a system. So, I think Carmelo will have an advantage, so to speak of having these examples of some of the greatest players to ever play, still have these Hall of Fame careers within a system and playing with their teammates,” Fisher emphasized.
Only time will tell if Anthony and the Knicks will flourish with the use of the Triangle Offense. History is certainly on Anthony’s side, considering the career success for Jordan and Bryant under Jackson’s tutelage. With training camp just days away, the process will begin and we’re all anxious to see Anthony evolve inside the Triangle.