The Knicks are prioritizing triangle fit when it comes to players.
But maybe not with the coach?
Tommy Dee of SNY.tv:A source close to the situation told me on Monday that Jackson has reached out to former Golden State Warriors head coach and Knicks point guard Mark Jackson to discuss the Knicks head coaching position.
In what was termed a “generic initial discussion,” the Knicks president is exploring several options and plans on interviewing more than a few candidates for the position including Mark Jackson
Phil Jackson reportedly considered Mark Jackson in 2014, when New York hired Derek Fisher. Mark hasn’t coached in the NBA since, and it doesn’t seem the situation has changed enough on either side to make a pairing any more logical.
Mark deserves more credit for helping to improve the Warriors’ defense. But he seems like a nightmare to work with. Phil bemoaned Fisher’s lack of openness to help from Phil. Mark was known for building walls within the Warriors organization, which speaks to why they fired him. Plus, Mark neither coached the triangle nor played for Phil.
But Mark played for the Knicks, and many New Yorkers still like him. That could explain his repeated candidacy. Interviewing Mark appeases a certain faction and gives Phil the ability to say he cast a wide net. I suppose Mark could impress in a meeting, though that looks like a longshot.
It seems much more likely the Knicks hire someone like Kurt Rambis (triangle experience) or David Blatt (probably desperate to have someone in the organization support him).
