New York Knicks are zen training per Phil Jackson’s request

Although New York Knicks president Phil Jackson has some unique ways to motivate players, nobody will ever question his tactics.

More from NBA

We’ve seen him get under the skin of NBA legends like Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, just to improve their play and now he’s using one of his oldest tricks in effort to make the New York Knicks better.

What is that, you ask? Zen, of course.

Phil Jackson recently told ESPN NY that the Knicks have started what he calls ‘mindless training’.

Phil Jackson says the #Knicks have started "mindfulness training." I'll be interested to see how players are taking to this.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) October 12, 2014

Jackson is of course very much into mind games (both good and bad) and seems to believe the non physical portion of basketball training is just as important as shooting jumpers in the gym.

Of course, it’s doubtful being more pro-active in the mind is going to help J.R. Smith from wishing their was a 5-point stripe on the court but alas, it’s hard to begrudge Phil Jackson given his pedigree.

The most likely case here is Phil Jackson is simply trying to make the New York Knicks a stronger team from a mental standpoint. Will that actually happen? That remains to be seen, though silly as it sounds there’s no harm in trying.

It’s likely the vast majority of the roster will think of the zen training as nothing more than a joke and won’t buy into it, but you never known. When Phil Jackson speaks, most around the game of basketball listen. Yes, it’s a little unconventional but the New York Knicks need any help they can get, even if it’s the power of the mind.

More from FanSided