Report: Scottie Pippen met with Knicks to discuss assistant job

Phil Jackson seems determined to fill the New York Knicks organization with people who are connected to his inner circle. Could Scottie Pippen be the next name on the list?

Marc Berman of the New York Post is reporting that Pippen met with Knicks general manager Steve Mills for about 15 minutes on Thursday to discuss a possible role with the team. The Knicks could be interested in bringing in Pippen as an assistant coach, depending on who is hired as head coach. Pippen currently serves as an advisor to the Chicago Bulls.

“I haven’t talked to Phil,” Pippen told the Post. “I have to wait until that time comes. Right now nothing’s out there. I’m not going to say whether I’m interested or not until it happens.”

Jackson has turned his attention to plan B after he was turned down by Steve Kerr, and there are reports indicating he is considering a number of former players and associates for New York’s vacant head coaching job. Phil obviously has certain people that he trusts, and it looks like he’s going to lean on one or more of those people to rebuild the Knicks.

Pippen said he was “surprised” that Kerr turned down the Knicks job because of his familiarity with Jackson and his offense. He also wouldn’t rule out the possibility of Phil returning as a coach.

“Phil pretty much has a license to do what he wants right now,” Pippen said. “Will he do it? Not sure. It’s going to take some time to see his work, but he’s a guy who can turn it around.”

Stranger things have happened.