New York Knicks rumors: James Dolan cedes control to Phil Jackson?

Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks new president of basketball operations Phil Jackson (right) talks with Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks new president of basketball operations Phil Jackson (right) talks with Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan at a press conference at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports /
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While James Dolan still may own the majority stake in the New York Knicks organization, it may be nothing more than a title at this point.

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Dolan has proven himself to be a hands on owner in the past, something that hasn’t worked out too well. Knowing his investment was going down the tank, Dolan decided to hire Phil Jackson last season and immedietely, a light seemingly appeared at the end of the tunnel.

Might that be because Dolan has essentially washed his hands of the New York Knicks?

"“I simply said, ‘If you need me, call me,’ ” Dolan recalled, pausing for half a beat. “He did not call me.”Jackson said his interactions with Dolan had been limited to a couple of conversations a month. In fact, Jackson said, he went all of August without speaking with him, simply because there was no need to."

The embattled owner, who along with his band is currently set to open up for The Eagles, even admitted that he’s taken a step back from the organization.

“I am definitely spending less time with the Knicks,” Dolan said.

While Dolan is a well financed owner and is valuable to the New York Knicks in that regard, he’s not a basketball mind. Given that, it appears his decision to cede control to Phil Jackson and company will not only help him in the immediate future but in addition to protecting his investment long-term.

Dolan says he’s aware there could be growing pains this season (as cautioned by Phil Jackson) but is excited for the future.