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Knicks Rumors: Latest Updates on Coaching Search

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks general manager Phil Jackson watches during the third quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. The Magic defeated the Knicks 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Former Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson and current ESPN commentator smiles before the start of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Knicks Reach Out To Mark Jackson

One of the most popular names to surface on the New York Knicks’ coaching search is Mark Jackson. Not only is he a former Knicks player, but he’s won over the general population with his work as the former head coach of the Golden State Warriors, and an analyst for ESPN.

According to Tommy Dee of SNY.tv, the Knicks have reached out to Jackson about the coaching vacancy.

"In what was termed a “generic initial discussion,” the Knicks president is exploring several options and plans on interviewing more than a few candidates for the position including Jackson, the former St. John’s grad and [1988] Rookie of the Year. Jackson currently is an analyst with ESPN."

That would make a lot of fans happy.

Jackson was selected at No. 18 overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Knicks. He won Rookie of the Year in 1987-88, was an All-Star in 1988-89, helped restore the Knicks to postseason prominence, and returned for a second tenure in 2001-02.

If for no other reason, Jackson would be well-received by Knicks fans based on his history with the team.

Far more important than his playing experience, however, is what Jackson was able to accomplish as a coach. He led the Golden State Warriors to 47 wins and the Western Conference Finals in 2012-13, and took the team to 51 victories in 2013-14.

If Jackson is able to bring the same level of defensive intensity to the Knicks in 2016-17, New York should be able to get back into the playoffs.

Next: 2015 NBA Finals Coach

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