Kerr Declines N.Y. Knicks, Phil Jackson Back Interviewing Head Coaches.
Steve Kerr turned down his old coach and mentor, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks. That leaves the New York Knicks going back to square one to figure out who will man this fast sinking ship in rookie GM Jackson’s first year at the helm. Not only does Phil Jackson have to find an adept coach to manage but he also has to placate the whims of Owner James Dolan. Not an easy task. Lots of established coaches wouldn’t dream of taking this job without serious guarantees considering the track record of James Dolan and past coaches.
Why did Kerr pick the Golden State Warriors?
Steve Kerr took the Golden State Warriors head coach job. He got a team of talented basketball ball players that gutted out a 7 game loss in the playoffs without their star center. Kerr passed on the chance of rekindling his relationship with coaching legend and new President of Basketball Operations of the Knicks, Phil, Guru” Jackson staying at home in sunny California near to where his daughter attends college. The Knicks refusing to give him the 5th year, easily makes up Kerr’s mind for him. I think that Steve Kerr made the right move especially considering he lives in California, Golden State Warriors have a playoff caliber team, and the uncertainty of Free Agent Carmelo Anthony taking a pay cut to resign with the Knicks. Also contributing must have been the problem that Phil Jackson would ultimately get the credit for any real success and it would be perceived that Jackson was coaching thru Kerr and he was more of a puppet. I’m sure the terrible reputation of James Dolan was the weight that stacked the scale and off Kerr went to sign his name on the bottom line of a 5 year, $25 million dollar deal with the Golden State Warriors.
Who will Phil Jackson choose to be the head coach of the New York Knicks?
I know the media is floating the names of former Jackson players Derek Fisher and Kurt Rambis. I don’t see either. No experience and a better candidate is just waiting in the wings. My choice for new head coach of the New York Knicks would be Mark Jackson.
Why Mark Jackson, didn’t he just get fired?
For me, this would be the best ironic news in the world. Mark Jackson got hired to be the Golden State Warriors head coach in 2011. In those 3 years, he coached them to two consecutive playoffs appearances. Mark Jackson was fired right after the losing the playoffs to Donald Sterling’s Los Angeles. Clippers in seven games and after posting the Golden State Warrior’s first 50 game winning season in 20 years. Mark Jackson was accused by the owners of being a monster to work for and an overbearing person that created hostile relationships, so he was fired.
Mark “Maverick” Jackson vs. Phil “The Zen Master” Jackson
Is Mark Jackson an uncontrollable maverick? Maybe! But Phil Jackson is the Zen Master. Phil has a calming influence and people follow him like the Pied Piper. Well, that is the legend. But is it a reality? If it is true, then Phil Jackson will have no issue bringing a very talented coach to New York. Mark Jackson was originally drafted by the New York Knicks when he began his 17 year career on the parquet floor. He was a leader of that team and it was a sad day when he was traded across the country to the Los Angeles Clippers. Mark Jackson proved that he knows how to coach with his three year stint with the Golden State Warriors and the only reason Phil wouldn’t hire him is if down deep this is about the legend of Phil Jackson and not about the stability and performance of the Knicks. If Carmelo Anthony needs a reason to take a pay cut and stay, a 17 year former guard turned coach would be it. How could Carmelo not want to play for a fellow baller? Numbers don’t lie and the NBA is about getting a team to the playoffs.
JibbJabber 