New York Knicks president Phil Jackson avoided a hands-on approach with the team last season because he did not want to step on first-year head coach Derek Fisher’s toes. But after the Knicks finished with the second-worst record in the league, the novice coach told the sage that he would like some advice and assistance in the future.
“Derek’s kind of asked me to be a little more present this year,” Jackson told the media Friday via Newsday. “Not in the aspect of coaching, but just in being around and talking basketball and influential in observations. I think I’ll probably be even more involved than I was last year as far as being here and being watchful and suggestive, watching film together with Derek at times.”
Jackson also says he thinks he went too far with his hands-off approach to the detriment of the team.
The Knicks have a much different look from when Jackson took over a year and a half ago. Only Carmelo Anthony remains from that roster. They have added first-round pick Kristaps Porzingis, promising big man Kyle O’Quinn, Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez, among others.
They have a long way to go, but they’re already looking much better than they did last season, and with Jackson’s help, the whole team should benefit. Do we hear 25 wins this season, Knicks fans?
