The word “accountability’’ has been a fixture in Mike Woodson’s vocabulary since taking over as interim Knicks coach Wednesday.
Friday, he specified he will hold his two co-captains Amar’e Stoudemire (eight points) and Carmelo Anthony (12 points) accountable in leadership roles — something former coach Mike D’Antoni probably did not do.
Stoudemire was the Knicks captain last season. Anthony was voted in as team captain in a player vote during training camp.
Tyson Chandler (16 points, seven rebounds, four blocks) has been the de facto leader of the team, however, but does not have a title.
Anthony J. Causi
HANGING IN THERE: Amar’e Stoudemire hangs on the rim after slamming home two of his eight points during the Knicks’ 115-100 victory over the Pacers last night at the Garden.
The lighthearted atmosphere in the locker room after losses became an issue during the team’s recent 0-4 road trip.
“I’m going to hold them more accountable for what goes on in the locker [room], what happens on the floor, because they’ve been around and know better. They know how it’s done,” Woodson said before the Knicks’ 115-100 victory over the Pacers. “I think they’re battle-tested long with Tyson Chandler.’’
Accountability is an interesting word.
D’Antoni certainly did not hold Anthony and Stoudemire accountable for their poor defense. It will be interesting to see if Woodson holds them accountable for their play and benches them if they are not doing well despite their maximum contracts totaling $37 million.
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As reported Friday, Woodson said he will add former Knicks first-round pick Darrell Walker and his former Hawks assistant Jim Todd to the coaching staff.
Todd was finishing up at Sacramento and got out of his contract. Also being added as special adviser is his high school coach, Jim Smith, who also helped him out in Atlanta. Smith now lives in Memphis.
“Another set of eyes for me,’’ Woodson said.
Walker, meanwhile, used to coach for Isiah Thomas in Toronto.
“I’ve known him since my playing days, he’s been on benches, he’s been a head coach, they bring great experience,’’ Woodson said.
marc.berman@nypost.com
Mike Woodson, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, Knicks, coach Mike D’Antoni, camp.Tyson Chandler, Stoudemire, The word “accountability
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