Phil Jackson - Knicks are a 'Clumsy' Team

[Jeffx]

Just heard these quotes from the Zen Master from an upcoming HBO Real Sports interview. According to Phil, Dolan never called, but he wouldn't have taken the coaching job anyway. In Jackson's opinion, the Knicks are a clumsy team and the pieces don't fit. Carmelo has to become a better passer - the offense can't stop when he has the ball.

As much as I can't stand Phil Jackson, he's saying the same shit we've been saying. Let's be honest, Knicks are a long way from being a serious contender.

[Andrew]

According to Phil, Dolan never called, but he wouldn't have taken the coaching job anyway.

I guess we have to take that at face value, that he wouldn't have taken the job, but it is easy for him to say that having never had to seriously consider it. While he's not off the mark with his critique, I'm guessing he would've at least considered it briefly had Dolan made the call.

[Jeffx]

It's no shock the Knicks didn't make the call. Phil would want a lot of money, power over the roster, and the ability to speak his mind to the media. That goes against the current politics at the Garden. Jackson is no fool. He'd never put up with a shitty owner like James Dolan.

[rise]

PJ's absolutely right. It's pretty clear that the roster was put together pretty badly. Melo and Amare on the same roster without a Nash-like point guard is a recipe for disaster. There was a long stretch during this season where I thought they were going to miss the playoffs, which is pretty horrible considering they have more talent on the roster than almost every other team in the league. They have arguably 4 all-star caliber players on the roster and a fairly decent supporting cast, they just don't even come close to what we consider a good fit.

[NovU]

Pretty much same shit as what people have been saying about the Heat. Like that is what happens when you put random talents into one team without any regards to chemistry and only hope for the best.

[Jeffx]

But in Miami's case, their two main guys are truly great players. That can mask the Heat's deficiencies. Shit, they've been in TWO straight finals with their flawed roster. There are no great players on the Knicks. Amar'e is on the downside, and while Carmelo is a great scorer, he's not a great player(our last great player was Patrick Ewing).

Phil said what realistic Knick fans have known all along.

[NovU]

The trio in New York still haven't been able to play together healthy enough for a long period. This was their first year together and you guys found gold in Lin if he stays a Knick. Perhaps he, a tweak in a roster, and a better coaching can make the Knicks a more complete team. All is not lost yet as East is wide open. Phil Jackson's comment does raise the awareness more but anything can happen in the East next season.

[Andrew]

Bill Simmons' take on Twitter:

1 I'm enjoying Phil Jackson's revisionist "I never wanted the Knicks job" routine. He wanted it. Sent out multiple feelers thru 3rd parties.

2 Dolan never even considered Jackson. Dolan's biggest fear in life = employing someone who is smarter and more popular than him.

3 Jackson always assumed he'd take a year off, then be the "savior" of the Knicks for big bucks as the fitting last act of his career.

4 Dolan wanted no part of Jackson's dream ending for his career. Again - wouldn't even consider it. So Jackson is backtracking. (The end.)

[Jeffx]

Dolan's not smart or popular.

[_Steve_]

Bill Simmons' take on Twitter:

1 I'm enjoying Phil Jackson's revisionist "I never wanted the Knicks job" routine. He wanted it. Sent out multiple feelers thru 3rd parties.

2 Dolan never even considered Jackson. Dolan's biggest fear in life = employing someone who is smarter and more popular than him.

3 Jackson always assumed he'd take a year off, then be the "savior" of the Knicks for big bucks as the fitting last act of his career.

4 Dolan wanted no part of Jackson's dream ending for his career. Again - wouldn't even consider it. So Jackson is backtracking. (The end.)

Nice summary.

[Andrew]

Dolan's not smart or popular.

Thus severely limiting his options and certainly disqualifying a candidate like Phil Jackson.

[Jeffx]

Dolan thinks Isiah Thomas is a genius and allowed him to run the franchise into the ground. He only hired Donnie Walsh because Stern forced him to. And what was Walsh's reward? He was forced out over a power struggle. No way in hell would Phil Jackson deal with that.

With this current roster, the Knicks might win an opening round, maybe win a game or two in the second round, but that's it. They'll never be championship-caliber, not with their top-heavy payroll and an incompetent, meddling owner. What the fuck do I have to look forward to?

[Andrew]

Some entertaining basketball here and there, along with the possibility a major scandal will force Dolan to sell the team.

[shadowgrin]

What the fuck do I have to look forward to?

[Jeffx]

Cablevision and the Dolan family will NEVER let the Knicks go, Andrew. Even when they suck, they're a cash cow. Look at how much loot they made off Jeremy Lin. Dolan raised ticket prices 49% and fans still go to games.