NBA Rumors: Mark Jackson reluctant to coach New York Knicks?

Feb. 27, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson reacts on the sidelines against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Feb. 27, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson reacts on the sidelines against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Mark Jackson was fired by the Golden State Warriors, many connected the former New York Knicks player with their vacant head coach position.

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It was an obvious fit, at least from a personality standpoint as Jackson, a native New Yorker would fit right in.

Only problem? President of basketball operations Phil Jackson wants a coach who can run the triangle and while that might be something Jackson could do, it’s not something he’s ever done. Still, a former point guard, it’s believed he’d be able to install the offense, even if it was ‘new’ to his coaching style.

Of course, Mark Jackson has to want the job and according to the New York Post, the exiled Warriors coach is reluctant to take over his former team.

“According to a person in his inner circle, Mark Jackson may be reluctant to coach the Knicks with too heavy an influence from the president’s office, making it a bad match. The Zen Master has been interested in interviewing the ex-Knick and former St. John’s star, who is working the NBA Finals for ABC.”

It’s been rumored for a few weeks now that former Phil Jackson player, Derek Fisher, is the leading candidate for the job though he’s yet to officially interview as he was playing in the postseason with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Going back home and facing the pressure of New York, not to mention the hot spotlight of both Phil Jackson and James Dolan might be too much for Mark Jackson, understandably.