Phil Jackson rumors about coaching are at it again. This time the New York Knicks are getting the party started before the NBA even makes it to the off season. Phil Jackson has been spending his days in Los Angeles these days, content with retirement from the game. But that hasn’t stopped teams from calling on the coaching legend to make a comeback.
Steve Mills, New York Knicks president and general manager, made a visit out to see Phil Jackson recently, which will certainly cause the rumors to start flying. According to ESPN ‘s Stephen A. Smith , Mills went to visit Jackson to inquire about his interest in coaching the New York Knicks. The Knicks have been a brutally disappointing team for over a decade, with an exception last season, and are in need of serious help. Like most teams in need of a reset button, the Knicks called Phil Jackson first.
Details of the conversation between Mills and Jackson were not released, but rumors suggest it went very similar to conversations about coaching the Lakers again. Recently, Phil Jackson said in an interview with Sam Amick of USA Today Sports , that only Jesus could coach the struggling Laker squad. One would have to assume Jackson would feel the same way about the situation in New York.
Phil Jackson rumors always bring up praise and criticism for the coach who harnessed the powers of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant . Often called the “Zen Master” of coaching, Jackson has managed to be in the right place at the right time twice. Whether it is his foresight or pure luck has been debated, but it is hard to argue with Championship rings. Phil Jackson rumors aside, the man must be doing something right.
Which is why a return to the Knicks family as a head coach seems highly unlikely. There is little chance that Jackson wants to coach a team loaded with Raymond Felton legal issues and an unhappy Carmelo Anthony . According to Smith, the only position Jackson is rumored to be interested in would be an executive spot. It makes sense to allow one of the greatest player managers in NBA history to try his hand at building a roster. But according to Smith’s source, Jackson was disappointed that Jimmy Dolan was not present at the meeting.
Whether Phil Jackson is looking to make a return to New York or not, one thing is clear. The Knicks are in the market for a new coach. If they are smart, they will blow it up (again) and begin the rebuilding process. Carmelo Anthony is the key to all of this. If he leaves, there is no cornerstone. If the Knicks can convince him to stay, they at least have something to build on.
Either way, Phil Jackson rumors about coaching the Knicks can be put to rest right now.
[Image via Washington Post /Ray Stubblebine ]