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Willis Reed Praises Former Teammate Phil Jackson

By Alex Horowitz

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When a Knick legend goes out of his way to compliment the current organization, you know the team must be in good shape.

Speaking at Knicks training camp earlier this week in West Point, Willis Reed sounded very optimistic about the ‘Bocker’s new team president, and former teammate, Phil Jackson.

"“The one thing I believe is that if anybody can change the fate of the New York Knicks, I think Phil will do it. He’s had a remarkable career as a basketball coach and what he’s been able to do, what he did in Chicago and LA. I think he’s a very shrewd basketball player. I’m sure some of that came from (former Knicks coach) Red (Holzman), some of it came from Bill Fitch, who was his college coach (at North Dakota), and some of the experiences he’s had.”"

If there’s anyone who knows Phil well, it’s Reed. The frontcourt duo played together during the Knicks lone championship seasons, in 1970 and 1973. While both excelled on the court, Jackson has clearly developed a new talent in coaching over the past couple decades. Serving as head coach for both the Bulls and Lakers, Jackson won eleven rings between 1991 and 2010. Trying his hand in the front office for the first time, he has yet to disappoint. One of his first major moves was signing his former player Derek Fisher to a five year deal to be the team’s new head coach. Reed had high words to say about Fish as well.

"“I think that and [new head coach Derek] Fisher’s going to do a good job. I like the combination. I’m really happy.”"

Fisher previously played under Jackson as a member of the Lakers, so his familiarity with the triangle offense will be key for the team this season. If the Knicks are able to run this complicated offensive scheme at even half the level the Lake Show was able to, they will be in for a good season. While this offense will primarily be based around star forward Carmelo Anthony, look for Amar’e Stoudemire to be a major bounce back contributor as well. Despite his critics, Stoudemire has the potential to regain his star form that he showed in his first season in the Big Apple. Before Carmelo was traded from Denver, Amar’e was a serious contender for league MVP in the 2011-12 season. Reed believes that a revival from Amar’e will heavily determine the Knicks outcome this year.

"“I believe they have enough talent,” Reed said. “They got to play hard and play defense and I think they will play hard and I think they will play defense and be unselfish. I really believe if everybody stays fairly healthy — Amar’e [Stoudemire] obviously is important — and they keep everybody healthy, I think they will make it with the players they have now.”"

Reed, who was the star player of New York throughout the 1970’s, is looked up to by Carmelo. There is no doubt that this current team is Melo’s, so as a leader he’ll need to emulate some of the leadership strategies that Reed used in his prime. It is also encouraging to see that Anthony is fond of Reed’s career in orange and blue. Being familiar with the team’s history and tradition is just one of several important steps that makes a championship team. Speaking from the Army campus, Melo expressed his thoughts about Reed’s visit to camp.

"“Just his presence here means a lot because I know what he was able to accomplish here, I know all the things and the work that he put in as a New York Knick. He is the heart of the New York Knick organization for what he was able to do back then and still be here to give that knowledge to us and for us to learn from that. I think everything is just playing right into the way it’s supposed to be planned out.”"

Phil Jackson has never been a loser. Willis Reed understands this. He understands Knicks basketball. Words might only be words, but these recent comments made by the former Knicks captain must be taken with more than a grain of salt. For the first time in years, even decades, the Knicks will finally be respected league-wide. If not because of the players, it will be because of Phil, The Zen Master. A winner will be restored in New York basketball lore.

So, Knicks’ fans, don’t take these comments for granted. There’s a reason why Willis is one of the greatest players to ever wear “New York” across his chest. In the words of Kevin Durant…..Willis, “You the real MVP!”

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