Looking at the Knicks under the triangle offense

Phil Jackson has had an illustrious career using the triangle. Eleven titles with two different teams in a span of nineteen years. Impressive, right? So when Jackson was instated as president on the 17^th of March 2014, a lot of people expected a lot more than the 4^th pick in the draft. There were whispers of a playoff run before the season started. Those hopes were quickly abandoned after a few games and immediately the blame went straight to (wait for it) Phil Jackson and his beloved “Triangle Offense”. We all saw it coming, even if we didn’t want to believe it.

So many questions surround “The Triangle”. It has only succeeded in the NBA under one man. Phil Jackson. His apprentices in Dallas and Minnesota had less success. Jim Cleamons (Dallas) obtained a record of 28-70 over two seasons. Kurt Rambis in Minnesota salvaged 32 wins but suffered a dismal 132 losses in two seasons with the T’Wolves. These two coaches supposedly had a “strong grasp” of the triangle but it goes far beyond the coach. The main falling point in both cases was the franchise’s personnel. You can’t rush the triangle, it’s a patient waiting game. Both coaches were at the helm for less than three years. My point being that you need the patience through every level of the organization and I think eventually, Jackson can bring that to New York.

Mar 25, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks head coach Derek Fisher looks on during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Madison Square Garden. Los Angeles Clippers won 111-80. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson led two teams into dynasties using this system. So it has credibility. When it works it really works, but when it doesn’t you are watching ping-pong balls instead of a ring ceremony.

When you look at both of Jackson’s teams, two names jump out at you, and rightfully so, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Just think about it, the Knicks have nobody who even begins to scratch the surface on these two. Not even Melo. Both Kobe and Jordan had that elite psycho, killer instinct. Win at all costs. When you put one of those guys on your team, it’s likely your going to win games. Just surround them with solid players. Look at what Lebron just did in the Finals, a boring brand of basketball, but when you have the best player in the world, just roll with it. It is also a contagious attitude. Jordan often spoke about instilling the same amount of relentlessness and killer drive into his teammates. Kobe did the same and when you have those types of teammates you have to live up to their level on and off the floor. Having those qualities on your team would go a long way in succeeding in any system. Understanding any, you talk about a championship mentality and that’s what those guys bring, they create a type of environment where losing is the worst possible result. It’s a rare type of player and we have only seen a couple in the last two decades. Kobe, Iverson and Jordan. No one on the Knicks is even close to that level and your best bet in the league today is most likely Russell Westbrook.

Is that the type of player you need for the triangle to succeed? Someone who players are frightened of? A type of guy whom players will listen to and follow? We know how complex the triangle can be and you might just need somebody who can show other guys what it takes to get it right.

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Quite simply, the triangle is really hard to grasp. Along with all the movements and possible outcomes of where you might get an open shot, one of the most important aspects is every player on the floor having 100% focus. There is a saying for when a group of people are traveling in the wilderness that you are only as fast as the slowest person in your group. The same applies to the triangle, you must move at the pace in which the player with least understanding moves. Since the offense is constantly moving everyone must be on the same page, one wrong move and the whole system is thrown off balance. When that happens is when you look at your superstar to dig you out of a hole like Kobe or Jordan would (I’m looking at you Carmelo)

“It’s like awakening joints, bones and tendons, except in this case, it’s awakening basketball skills that laid there a long time ago,”- Rick Fox

Most importantly, the triangle is based on basic fundamentals. Passing, footwork, dribbling etc. “It’s like awakening joints, bones and tendons, except in this case, it’s awakening basketball skills that laid there a long time ago,” Rick Fox said in an interview with Mike Prada and Doug Eberhardt of SB Nation. Fans want to see dunks and flashy passing and all the glam of the game. You don’t quite get that with the triangle, it’s a very conservative, low risk approach to the game. Something designed for a championship team, no the All-Star game.

The triangle exemplifies role players. Since the offense is constantly moving, everybody’s role is vital. Look at what it did for players like Luke Walton, Sasha Vujacic and Shannon Brown. Since the Lakers last championship these players have been all over the place from Turkey to Cleveland. Safe to say they flourished in the triangle, but couldn’t do much without it.

While I disagree with the idea that there are specific players for the triangle I, at the same time agree that there are players who under no circumstances should be playing in the triangle. J.R. Smith, case and point. Smith is probably the streakiest player in the league, when he gets hot just feed him the ball but when he is not hitting shots, you cant do much but bench him. The problem is that the triangle can’t simply resort to giving someone the ball, it has to go through the process of getting him the ball. To do that you need to have an unbelievable understanding of it. The triangle is designed to get everyone good looks at the hoop, not just one person. Its all about maximizing your chances to be successful.

Jan 10, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks players react from the bench during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 110-82.

Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Defenses have to account for every single player, because in the system everybody is a threat. That keeps defenses on their toes but when it’s executed properly it can be a nightmare for opposing teams. The Knicks were nowhere near to showcasing it at a high level. It takes time and a little bit of luck. Although Knicks fans are some of the most impatient and demanding on the planet you have to give it time. I know its hard.

Taking a look at the Triangle Offense

By Jack King | Jul 5, 2015

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