5 Knicks head coaching options after firing David Fizdale

2. Mark Jackson

Like Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson is a familiar face who was contacted by the Knicks the last time their head coaching job needed filling. Even seeing this name on the list might make some fans cringe, and for good reason, given some of the more tumultuous reports we’ve heard about his time with the Warriors. Still, this kind of hire might not be as disastrous as it sounds.

ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reported M-Jax was one of three primary targets last time, and there would be obvious benefits to hiring a former Knicks player. However, the biggest assets he’d bring to the table are team buy-in and installing a capable NBA defense, both of which he accomplished during his time in Golden State.

The Knicks have a roster full of overlap, youngsters hungry for developmental minutes and veterans all competing for time. Jackson’s preacher routine may come on too strong, but Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson had a ton of good things to say about him, and it was his defense that Steve Kerr inherited (and frequently gave him credit for).

The Knicks need a start-up coach to get the franchise back on the right path before finding that next coach to get them over the hump when they’re finally a playoff team again. His combative track record with the Warriors front office is concerning, but even with all of that, he still put the Dubs on the path to success. New York desperately needs something similar, and since we already know drama will follow this team regardless, even a few years of Jackson could be worth the risk.