Mark Jackson and Phil Jackson working together?
More than that, can you see Mark Jackson subjugating his on-the-court philosophies and bending them toward the triangle offense, and doing so without being strong headed and disruptive? Can you see the “Zen Master” mentoring the strong-willed fundamentalist Christian preacher?
As a blogger this would be good for me. If I were a Knicks fan I’d be pointing out oil and water don’t mix.
However, in the wake of Steve Kerr spurning the Knicks for Golden State, the Knicks are at least considering bringing in the legendary former Knicks player and the guy Golden State just dumped. That according to the New York Post.According to the source, that means Mark Jackson is on Jackson’s tentative list that once included just one name. But now Steve Kerr is headed to Golden State and Jackson is headed on a more expansive search.
The Knicks believe Jackson’s “credibility’’ around the league will enable him to have the “flexibility” to hire an experienced coach willing to adapt to the principles of his triangle offense — or at least a facsimile.
According to a source, Jackson was to meet with Knicks general manager Steve Mills on Thursday night at Chicago’s pre-draft combine to go over some candidates.
Mark Jackson is one of the best known Knicks players of the last few decades and bringing him home — “keeping it in the family” — has some appeal. Since Kerr left Phil Jackson at the altar he could use a little splash with the hiring of a coach, and Jackson would be that.
Plus make no mistake, Mark Jackson has shown he can coach at the NBA level and deserves another chance somewhere.
But I just don’t see the fit here. It’s not a knock on either guy, it’s just an issue of fit. Phil Jackson preaches a selfless kind of ball, Mark Jackson’s Warriors were big on isolations or sets where he trusted his best player to create. This is a complete clash of styles and personalities — if you thought management clashed with Jackson in Golden State, wait until you see this in action with the added pressure that New York brings. (Then again, if you anger the owner of the Knicks and help drive him away from being around the business….)
I’m not sure Jackson is going to hire a “sexy” name to be the Knicks coach — and he doesn’t have to. He just needs someone who can lead, who he can help mold, who shares his philosophies on building a culture in the organization.
I just am not sure Mark Jackson and Phil Jackson mesh on those philosophies. To put it kindly.