Phil Jackson has upset Maverick Carter, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Jay-Z.
And that’s just in the last few weeks.
Jackson has been cruising through his job as Knicks president, alternating shrewd and bombastic moves – drafting Kristaps Porzingis, demanding the triangle and bashing modern offenses, vacationing in the middle of a coaching search, hiring a non-triangle coach, signing Joakim Noah. It seemed Jackson was just collecting (huge) paychecks and doing whatever he pleases until his next retirement, which he indicated was near.
But why give up that life if you can maintain it?
Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report:
Jackson has said he wanted the 2017 opt out in his contract, so he could leave in the event of a a lockout. With a new Collective Bargaining Agreement agreed upon, that’s no longer a reason to leave.
The Lakers job? That speculation will never end, though this report appears to be an attempt to quash it.
Jackson is riding high with the Knicks winning 11 of 16 and surging to third in the Eastern Conference. But their point difference is more emblematic of an 11-14 team than a 14-11 team, and point difference has historically better predicted future success than record. If the Knicks fall back to earth, will Jackson remain so sold on New York?