LAS VEGAS—When Phil Jackson and Derek Fisher took over the Knicks last year, they claimed to be prioritizing defense, even if there wasn’t much to suggest that notion was true.

Yes, they began training camp last year with an entire day of defensive drills. But there was no mistaking the fact that Carmelo Anthony, New York’s star player who had just received a $124 million contract, is known almost solely for his scoring ability. Top off-season acquisition Jose Calderon, someone Jackson described as an ideal fit on offense,...