The mouth of Manhattan

Maybe it's the age. You know, you get up there in your 70s, it's like they take your regular AARP card, hand you a platinum one, and say, "Have at it, old-timer. You can say anything you want, even if it's really cranky and stupid and no one wants to hear it."

Let it be noted here that Phil Jackson is 71 years old.

And so, yes, maybe that's why he won't shut up about Carmelo Anthony, even if it's really cranky and stupid and no one wants to hear it.

In case you missed it, here's what the Knicks president said about Carmelo the other day: “We have not been able to win with him on the court at this time.  I think the direction of our team is that he is a player who would be better off somewhere else, using his talents where he can win or chase that championship.”

Then he said some other stuff about what a terrible player Melo is. This after just hinting that he'd be willing to trade him.

Which suggests that Phil's load is now shy about three bricks, or his picnic basket is missing a couple of sandwiches, or various other metaphors of a similar nature. Why would you publicly trash Carmelo if you're going to try to trade him, except for the fact that (again) Phil's an old man who finds it impossible to shut up? Why would you continue to antagonize the other members of your team, who are heartily sick of listening to the Old Man bash Melo?

That would include the 21-year-old future of the franchise, Kristaps Porzingis, who is apparently so tired of Phil's drama that he skipped out on his season exit interview with Jackson.

Nice move there, Phil. Drive away the guy you need by continuing to bash the guy you don't think you need, even though you handed the latter guy a five-year, $124-million extension.

You know something, old-timer?

You're 71. And I hear the NBA's got a swell retirement package.