The New York Knicks are at a crossroads trying to figure out where to go next. With Phil Jackson as the man in charge, it was assumed coaches and players would flock to the Big Apple for a chance to work with the NBA legend. However, so far things have gone the exact opposite. Now, Jackson is left trying to determine a Plan B in order to get a roster in place for the future.
The Knicks thought they had Steve Kerr in place to take over as head coach. The two sides were negotiating contracts when the Golden State Warriors swooped in and signed Kerr right out from underneath Jackson's nose. Kerr was thought to have the pedigree to retain Carmelo Anthony in free agency and start bringing winning back to the Knicks. However, now Jackson is left scrapping for another plan as his options might be more slim than he thought.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Ian Begley, Anthony is requesting the Knicks look towards Mark Jackson to take over as head coach. Jackson is a former player of the Knicks who showed a tone of promise while coaching Golden State. He led the team to 51 wins this season, but was let go due to a clash with the ownership. According to Begley, Anthony is really high on Jackson after seeing what he did with the Warriors in developing their young talent. The Knicks faithful would like it too.
However, there could be a factor that could potentially be a huge road block when it comes to the pursuit of Jackson or any coach for that matter. If Jackson had a clash with the Warriors ownership group, there is a slim chance he gets along with James Dolan. Begley notes that under Dolan, every coach, including Larry Brown, Lenny Wilkens and Mike D'Antoni have been fired or resigned. That is a terrible track record to deal with.
Jackson would be wise to listen to what Anthony thinks when it comes to coaching searches. While the guard has no plans of doing his own recruiting, if asked his opinion the team should listen. Whoever is brought in as head coach was play a major role in the free agency decision of Anthony. It is no secret that he is free to go elsewhere and likely has no interest in playing under just anybody.
So who could the Knicks be left with? Jeff Van Gundy is an easy and likeable option. Many believe it is only a matter of time before he leaves the analyst table a returns courtside, but do the Knicks have enough in place to make it worth Van Gundy's time? Outside of the Knicks inner circle, Tom Thibodeau could be an option. The current Chicago Bulls coach is not thrilled with the ownership of his team and the feeling is reportedly mutual. The Bulls and Knicks could easily work out a trade scenario much like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers did for Doc Rivers.
