Jackson intends to keep Anthony with Knicks

When Phil Jackson was introduced as the New York Knicks team president Tuesday, he made some very pro-Carmelo Anthony statements.

"There's no doubt about Carmelo being one of the top scorers in the league, maybe the best individual isolation player in the game," Jackson said, according to espn.com. "I have no problems with committing to saying Carmelo is in the future plans."

Questions about Anthony's future won't be decided until this summer, when he's able to opt out of his contract. Chicago is widely rumored as a potential destination, but it's a longshot for the Bulls.

Jackson talked about trying to land a second scorer to pair with Anthony when the Knicks have cap space in 2015.

"I think there are a number of things I see Carmelo doing as he moves forward," Jackson added. "And I think I was on record saying a year ago that I think Carmelo, as great a player as he is, still has another level he can go to. And I hope together, with the team we create, he can get there."

Augustin recalls college days:

After watching Kevin Durant light up the Bulls for 35 points Monday, guard D.J. Augustin talked about the year he spent in college with Durant at Texas in 2006-07.

"It was great times. I think the first time we met we went straight to the gym and started shooting and working out," Augustin said. "That's the type of guy he's always been, and he's the same way now. To this day, he works hard."

Augustin didn't meet Durant until they were opponents at the McDonald's all-American game as high school seniors. Durant is from Baltimore, while Augustin was in Houston after being displaced from his New Orleans home by Hurricane Katrina.

"Once we got to school, we clicked," Augustin said. "When we see each other, it's like we never left. We went through a lot together. In college, it's tough. You've got early-morning workouts and school, class. So just being around each other and being around the team was great times."

On each other's team:

Before playing a concert at the Aragon Ballroom on Wednesday, pop star Lorde attended Monday's Bulls game. Watching from a luxury suite, the New Zealand native shared several observations via Twitter:

• "I am at a bulls game this is so intense how does everyone in this room not have a stress ulcer"

• "I am such an outsider to the world of sport but I feel very proud of all playing"

• "the cheerleaders are doing synchronized movements to small pieces of drum-based instrumental music"

• "in the break they rolled out a red carpet on the court and a man did some tricks with his dog"

The dog thing happens most every game. And the Luv-a-Bulls haven't changed much in 25 years.