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5 replacements for Phil Jackson as New York Knicks president

By Brad Berreman

Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jason Miller-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Jason Miller-Getty Images /

1. David Griffin

Griffin was without a contract to remain as Cavaliers’ general manager beyond the end of June, and a decision to “part ways” came last week. Griffin may have wanted more power than owner Dan Gilbert was willing to give him, with the paycheck to match, but any other general manager openings were filled before Griffin’s departure from Cleveland.

Say what you want about LeBron James serving as the de facto general manager for the Cavaliers. But Griffin deserves credit for building a roster that has gone to three straight NBA Finals, with Gilbert’s blessing to go over the luxury tax threshold. James himself lamented Griffin’s departure and gave a lot of credit to the now-former GM.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2017 -- One trade every team should make

Griffin is a free agent executive right now, with no concern attached to convincing him to leave another team and making that departure work on the other end. Dolan has a unique opportunity to hire a highly qualified candidate as Jackson’s replacement, and turning over his NBA front office operation to Griffin has to be on the radar immediately.

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