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NBA Rumors: Phil Jackson Going After Rajon Rondo, Jeremy Lin To Run New York Knicks Offense

By Ernie Howell
Published on: 08:14 PST, May 21, 2016

NBA rumors are swirling that New York Knicks President Phil Jackson has targeted Rajon Rondo and Jeremy Lin to run the team’s offense next season, according to multiple reports.

The NBA franchise will be looking for veteran guards to run new head coach Jeff Hornacek’s offense, and rumors suggest Phil Jackson prefers to focus on current Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo and Charlotte Hornets veteran Jeremy Lin.

Rajon Rondo could become a free agent this season after signing a one-year, $9.5 million contract with the Sacramento Kings last season. Now, the guard is believed to be looking for a maximum contract according to several rumors. If the bidding should reach those heights, Sports Rageous is reporting that the NBA franchise would cut ties with the point guard.

Phil Jackson could see Rajon Rondo as a player who could help space out defenders and create opportunities for the New York Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Rajon Rondo is known for his ability to drive to the basket, an important feature in the pick-and-roll offense Jeff Hornacek ran while with the Phoenix Suns, the New York Post reported.

If Phil Jackson decides to go with Rajon Rondo, he will already have the team’s top player — Carmelo Anthony — on-board with that decision, according to Bleacher Report. While Phil Jackson hasn’t commented on what offensive scheme will be used by the New York Knicks next season, Carmelo Anthony believes that if the triangle offense returns, Rajon Rondo could run it.

“I think Rondo — just me personally, I don’t want to be tampering — but I’ve heard he said he wouldn’t thrive in a system like this. I think he’d be perfect in a system like this.”

But Rajon Rondo isn’t the only point guard Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks are looking at this summer. CBS Sports is reporting that Jeff Hornacek might push to bring Jeremy Lin into the fold, setting up a situation to repeat the Linsanity craze created by the New York media four seasons ago.

Jeremy Lin had a stellar season this year, his best since his time with the Knicks. While the Charlotte Hornet has insisted he prefers to stay with his current team, Phil Jackson could pry him away by luring him into the fast-paced offense he excelled in during Mike D’Antoni’s time coaching him with the New York Knicks.

Besides the Charlotte Hornets, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks may have to contend with Brooklyn Nets for Jeremy Lin, Sports Rageous reported earlier this month. NBA rumors have suggested that the Nets will make signing a point guard their top priority, which could also mean that Rajon Rondo could be in jeopardy of signing with the New York Knicks’ cross-town rivals. Lin would make more sense for Brooklyn, however, because new coach Kenny Atkinson was on the staff when Jeremy played for the New York Knicks.

Currently, the New York Knicks have 34-year-old Jose Calderon and rookie Jerian Grant on the roster, but neither player is considered a viable starting option going forward, several NBA rumors have suggested. Phil Jackson could definitely upgrade the roster by signing either Jeremy Lin or Rajon Rondo for next season.

Hiring Jeff Hornacek shows that Phil Jackson may be willing to listen to others when it comes to free agent hires. By hiring a coach that doesn’t run the triangle system — as Phil was expected to do — rumors are swirling that Jackson may be contemplating an exit from the New York Knicks. These same NBA rumors suggest that Phil Jackson may be looking at a reunion with longtime girlfriend Jeanie Buss and the Los Angeles Lakers, the Inquisitr previously reported.

What do you think about Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks focusing their free agency efforts on Rajon Rondo or Jeremy Lin to sure up the point guard position? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Photos by Mike Ehrmann & Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]

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new york knicks phil jackson jeremy lin brooklyn nets Jeff Hornacek Sacramento Kings Rajon Rondo Charlotte Hornets
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