NBA Rumors: Phil Jackson to pursue hiring Brian Shaw as New York Knicks head coach?
By Josh Hill
The New York Knicks have hired Phil Jackson to try and save the franchise and one of his first moves will be to re-evaluate the situation at head coach. While Mike Woodson won’t be fired in the middle of the season, he’s likely to be ousted at the end of the year and already there is speculation as to who will replace him under Jackson’s watch.
A lot of conversation has focused on former NBA player Steve Kerr, who played under Jackson while with the Chicago Bulls in the mid-90s. Kerr seems to be a frontrunner for the gig, but Jackson disciple Brian Shaw is entering the conversation as well.
Per Marc Berman from the New York Post:
"Brian Shaw, a former Lakers guard and longtime Jackson assistant, could be another, even though he signed on with Denver last spring for his first head coaching job. The Nuggets are struggling — eight games under .500 and there are rumors he has lost some of the locker room."
Shaw was the hottest commodity on the coaching market last offseason, but he’s struggled mightily in Denver. Under Jackson, he’d be stepping into a great position as head coach of an iconic team, and would be a stone throw away from his former mentor in Los Angeles.
It’s an inspired choice, but one that could make a lot of sense for the Knicks.