Phil Jackson acknowledged that Carmelo Anthony is carrying a heavy burden in what has been a difficult season for the New York Knicks.

"We've had a couple occasions to talk," Jackson said at the team's practice facility. "We haven't really delved into the future as much as what's gone on, getting to know each other type of thing. Trying to see how he's feeling about playing.

"He's had to carry a big load. It's been a tough year for him. But it's been a tough year for everyone. It's not just isolated with him. But I think he feels the weight of it a lot more on himself."

Jackson has already made it clear that he would like Anthony to re-sign in the offseason.

Jackson recently met with the scouts in the organization to discuss future prospects and what they've seen from the NCAA and NIT tournaments.

"Well, yes, it's on the docket," Jackson said when asked how much he has been involved with the Knicks on a daily basis. "Having to check in and see what the team's doing and see what's the health situation with the players.

"I think you're always assessing the team and the players and how they fit together and what's the mood," Jackson later added. "Who's not playing up to the level you want to see them play at, and who can produce more if they get an opportunity. So those are ongoing things. But we have an assessment at the end of the year that kind of synthesizes all that and then we can go forward from there."