Fansided

New York Knicks to keep Phil Jackson for two more years

By Akash Anavarathan

iFeb 25, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches game during second half at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 110-109.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
iFeb 25, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks president Phil Jackson watches game during second half at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 110-109.Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Knicks decided on Thursday morning to exercise the option to extend team president Phil Jackson’s contract for another two years.

Current Knicks’ team president, Phil Jackson, signed on with New York in 2014. At the time of the signing, there was a team option after three years. Vocally, owner James Dolan has supported Jackson, even as recently as a few months ago while the Knicks have been struggling.

Dolan stuck to his word, as the Knicks quietly exercised Phil Jackson’s contract, according to a report from USA Today Sports.  This means that Jackson will continue to lead the Knicks into 2019, when his contract will be up. Since Jackson has taken over the Knicks in 2014, their record has fallen to 75-166.

In that time span, he’s changed three coaches, going from Derek Fisher to Kurt Rambis to now Jeff Hornacek. There have been a number of questionable moves be Jackson that begs the question: Why extend him?

The Carmelo Anthony saga is probably the biggest issue for Jackson. In February, Jackson publicly took a shot at Anthony over his work ethic and drive to win.  It also seemed like Jackson was desperate to move the Knicks’ small forward at the deadline. Well it all backfired, as the Knicks’ team president couldn’t find a partner and Anthony ended up on the team.

Then, there were numerous questionable moves, from trading for the oft-injured Derrick Rose and signing his injured parter-in-crime Joakim Noah. As the Knicks should have looked to rebuild with long-term future in mind, Jackson cashed it in for short-term success, which eventually backfired.

With all of these head-scratching moves, why did Dolan strongly push to keep Jackson around for two more years? As a head coach, it’s undeniable that Jackson is one of the greatest of all time, with 11 championships in Chicago and Los Angeles. As a player, he has two titles with New York.

But as a team president? The best thing on his resume might be drafting Kristaps Porzingis. All of the other moves are just puzzling.

Next: 5 reasons the Golden State Warriors can win the 2017 NBA Championship

With two more years to turn the Knicks around, only time will tell if Jackson’s the guy to right the ship.

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