The New York Knicks have made the first move to potentially improving the franchise after a struggling 2013-14 year. The team has announced the hiring of NBA legend Phil Jackson as their new president of basketball operations. League sources report the deal is worth five years and $12 million annually, but does not include a stake in the ownership. So what does the presence of Jackson mean for the Knicks come free agency time?
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the presence of Jackson could mean the signing of free-agent-to-be LeBron James. Isola reports that Miami Heat sources are concerned that the Jackson hire will convince James to sign over to New York and team up with Anthony for the next few years. Isola continues to write saying that James would have never considered the Knicks under their current climate, but getting Jackson shows serious change is on the way and gives the team new found credibility.
Isola is not wrong about the credibility. James originally signed on with the Miami Heat because Pat Riley had created a winning atmosphere. It was the main thing James was looking for in a team and is still his top priority. Jackson is expected to bring the same attitude to New York which could entice many marquee players to join on. Anthony certainly believes so.
"I'm a chess player. That was a power move right there. You know what I mean?" Anthony said, via ESPNNewYork.com. "So, now we're going to see what's the next move, but that was a great power move."
Anthony has already stated that the hiring of Jackson will play no part in his free agency decision in the summer. The Knicks are certainly not setup well for the future and will have to make several offseason moves in order to start rebuilding the franchise. With no draft picks, players like Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire could see their futures up in the air. Anthony is confident the Jackson knows how to build a winning team.
"Phil knows what to do, how to build teams, and how to win," Anthony said. "That's the most important thing. When you know how to win -- whether you're a coach, whether you're in the front office -- that stands out."
Could Jackson really get James and Anthony on the Knicks next year? It is all speculation at this point since no one knows what either star is doing, but the hire certainly helps New York.
