Mike Woodson confronts Tyson Chandler about critical comments

Carl Herrera · Jan 22, 2014

New York Knicks: Characters Welcome

BY FRANK ISOLA / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Tyson Chandler says Nets ‘out-schemed’ Knicks on Monday in apparent shot at Mike Woodson, even though sides play nice a day later.
Tyson Chandler’s comments that were critical of Mike Woodson’s defensive schemes may have annoyed the head coach, but they certainly didn’t surprise him.

According to a team source, Woodson recently confronted Chandler about comments the veteran center made that could be interpreted as undermining the coach’s authority. It is unclear when that conversation took place, but it could have happened last week following a loss to the Indiana Pacers, when Chandler said “we didn’t make adjustments.”

That answer was in response to reporters asking Chandler to comment on Woodson’s claim that the Pacers simply outworked the Knicks. It was erroneously reported that Carmelo Anthony was criticizing Woodson when in fact Chandler took a subtle shot.

On Tuesday, Chandler backtracked and explained that his explosive comments following Monday’s 103-80 loss to the Brooklyn Nets were not being directed at Woodson. It sounded a lot like damage control since Chandler had claimed that the Nets “out-schemed” the Knicks. At best Chandler’s remarks indicated that he was praising rookie head coach Jason Kidd and taking a shot at Woodson.

On Monday, Chandler said he didn’t agree with Woodson’s defensive strategy to constantly switch.

“I 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.”

Woodson, who has come under fire for the Knicks’ 15-26 record, refused to fuel the budding controversy and made it seem, at least on the surface, that he wasn’t upset with Chandler.

“If they want to lash out at me that’s fine,” Woodson told reporters on Tuesday. “I’m not a coach that takes things personally.

A source tells the News that Mike Woodson confronted his center over recent comments
COREY SIPKIN/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

A source tells the News that Mike Woodson confronted his center over recent comments

“Players get upset. Coaches get upset... Sometimes it’s healthy when players get upset like that.”

Still, it doesn’t enhance Woodson’s job security when one of the most respected voices in the Knicks’ locker room is openly questioning Woodson’s tactics. Chandler, though, wasn’t the only outspoken All-Star upset following the Knicks’ fourth straight loss. Anthony called out his teammates, saying they failed to show any fight in the loss. Hours later it was reported that reserve point guard Beno Udrih, a frequent target of Woodson’s public beatdowns, has asked to be traded.

With the Knicks at the midway point of their disappointing season and on pace to lose 52 games, Woodson appears to be losing his grip on the locker room. That could ultimately put Woodson in a bad place with Garden chairman James Dolan, who as the Daily News reported in October told the coach he believes the Knicks are a championship team.

On the eve of training camp, Woodson received a contract extension through 2014-15, but that deal doesn’t mean the coach who won 54 games and a playoff series last year is safe. Nor was it much of a vote of confidence that the day after getting blown out by Oklahoma City on Christmas, Dolan told the players that he wasn’t making a coaching change and would not be making major trades.

It was around that same time that Chandler was spotted at the Knicks’ practice facility eating lunch with team president Steve Mills. That’s hardly a crime and not necessarily uncommon. But according to a source it was yet another reason for Woodson to be paranoid.

Mills was hired to replace Woodson’s friend and former college teammate, Glen Grunwald, and Mills has not been overwhelmed by Woodson’s job performance. The Daily News reported last week that both Dolan and Mills would like to see Woodson hold the players more accountable. That edict was followed by Woodson when he benched J.R. Smith against Charlotte for insubordination.

Smith’s behavior has improved over the past week, and he’s playing better, which is a positive for Woodson. But with Philadelphia in town on Wednesday and the Knicks in the middle of a make-or-break eight-game home stand, Chandler’s public critique is a sign that Woodson is losing the faith of his players.

Losing Udrih or Smith isn’t a deal-breaker for Woodson. But losing Anthony or Chandler, who has grown close to Mills, would be too much for Woodson to overcome.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...andler-source-article-1.1587197#ixzz2r9pFoUZv
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Mr Chuck Norris · Jan 22, 2014

Sheesh!

cheke64 · Jan 22, 2014

*Crickets*

Fyreball · Jan 22, 2014

New York Knicks:

jim1961 · Jan 22, 2014

In NY, its always about which way the wind is blowing.

mr. 13 in 33 · Jan 22, 2014

The Knicks are funny when it comes to coach and its players

MONON · Jan 22, 2014

The Knicks are in the same situation as the Cowboys. They won't win anything until the owner fires himself. At least Cubern seems to let his basketball people have a say in the operation of the team.

jim1961 · Jan 22, 2014

MONON said: ↑

The Knicks are in the same situation as the Cowboys. They won't win anything until the owner fires himself. At least Cubern seems to let his basketball people have a say in the operation of the team.
Click to expand...

As long as they agree with him....

A_3PO · Jan 22, 2014

The drama makes the Knicks relevant.

Scarface281 · Jan 22, 2014

mr. 13 in 33 said: ↑

The Knicks are funny when it comes to coach and its players
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And the owner...

Patterned919 · Jan 22, 2014

It blows my mind that this is a billion dollar organization.

jvu · Jan 22, 2014

It blows my mind that this is a one of the best cities organization

tmacfor35 · Jan 22, 2014

Woodson is a good coach. Look at the players personality. Only guy on that team that has any heart is Chandler.

AroundTheWorld · Jan 22, 2014

Lin and Asik for Chandler and a first-round pick...oh wait...

jim1961 · Jan 22, 2014

AroundTheWorld said: ↑

Lin and Asik for Chandler and a first-round pick...oh wait...
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The 2021 class maybe a good one

Sydeffect · Jan 22, 2014

Hopefully Knicks make the playoffs. I don't Denver having a top pick in this draft.

Sydeffect · Jan 22, 2014

Sydeffect said: ↑

Hopefully Knicks make the playoffs. I don't want Denver having a top pick in this draft.
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Fixed

faraza84 · Jan 22, 2014

I'm pretty sure melo isn't coming back. There's no way to trade amare or jr. Maybe chandler and bargs could get something but they should just ship out melo with their bad contracts. This franchise is handled so bad it's actually sad that the most valuable team can make profit but can't put a proper product on the floor.

Easy · Jan 22, 2014

Is it time to take the Knicks serious? :grin:

CasaDolce · Jan 22, 2014

The first and foremost problem with the Knicks is the owner. If they can find a way to get rid of Dolan things will start getting back on track.

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Mike Woodson confronts Tyson Chandler about critical comments

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