Oct 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches the game against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden
Oct 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches the game against the Toronto Raptors during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden REUTERS

The Zen Master begins with the re-shaping of the New York Knick roster with a lot on his plate and multitude of hope improvement schemes to retouch, refurbish or scrap all together. One thing that he is certain that will stay is his best player and newly resigned superstar Carmelo Anthony.

Speaking in a one on one interview with ESPN's Charles Rosen, the 13-time NBA champion (11 as a coach and 2 as a player) went through most of the players on the current Knicks lineup and assessed what he needs from each individual in order for the team to have a successful season. In course of doing so, the former Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers mentor singled out Anthony as the only certified all-star calibre player in the roster.

"Carmelo Anthony is obviously the team's only certified All-Star. It's also no secret that Melo has to keep the ball moving, but he's committed to doing this," Jackson revealed during the said interview.

The current Knick President of Basketball Operations also likened Anthony's role to an NFL quarterback who has to make reads on the triangle offence. While Jackson admits that Melo's strength has never been in the passing category, he is hoping that the new system will give him more opportunities to involve his teammates.

The Hall of Fame-bound coach also touched up on the other players in the roster including Andrea Bargnani who he admits had an abysmal first season with the Knicks but also foresees that the big Italian will thrive in the triangle under newly installed head coach Derek Fisher. He also pointed out that the former number one pick will need continued motivation to improve on defence and ball handling, his two glaring areas of weakness.

Jackson also ruled that the team's deepest position is currently in the wings where he has a glut of talent ranging from Pablo Prigioni, Iman Shumpert, Jose Calderon, Shane Larkin, Cleanthony Early, Tim Hardaway Jr. and J.R. Smith. While he lauded the different skill sets of the said players, he admits that most of the work that needs to be done is on the defensive end where most of the guys mentioned need a lot of work.

The Knicks are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing season after failing to qualify for the playoffs, just a year removed from capturing the Atlantic Division. The re-signing of Anthony was one of their top priorities this summer as well as acquiring a point guard such as Calderon to facilitate the famed triangle offence.